Eczema

The eczema ( synonymous with eczema, from Greek έκζεμα eczema, leavened ') is a skin disorder that manifests itself in a non-infectious inflammatory reaction of the skin. Eczema can be caused by various triggers. They are characterized by a typical sequence of skin reactions characterized ( skin redness, blistering, oozing, crusting, scaling ). The group of eczema include various forms of eczema, which are classified according to different criteria. Synonym often used the broader term dermatitis, but which also includes skin sores that do not belong to the eczema. In particular, in the Anglo- American usage, the term dermatitis eczema instead is preferably used. In the classification according to ICD -10 does not distinguish between the terms ( see table).

• 6.1 Literature
• 6.2 Notes and references

Epidemiology and socio-economic importance

Eczema is the most common skin disease with a prevalence of 3-20 per cent. The likelihood of developing at least once in a lifetime from eczema, is approximately 100 percent.

Eczema are of great importance as an occupational disease. Thus, the proportion of skin diseases on recognized occupational diseases caused in Germany in 2006 was just under 40 percent. 90 percent of these cases are eczema. Due to absence from work, retraining, disability, but also by the treatment costs and expenses for skin care is a high financial burden on health services and those affected.

Symptoms

Although the different forms of eczema are different ( pathogenesis ) and the typical clinical picture as to the cause (etiology ), disease development, a typical eczema reaction at all. This manifests itself in a typical sequence of symptoms at different stages, which is most pronounced on contact dermatitis.

Acute stage

The acute eczema reaction starts with a bright red skin, which is restricted to the site of skin irritation (stage erythematosum ). In less severe cases the eczema heals then already after a few days. With a more pronounced reaction to small, rarely more than a pinhead-sized vesicles, which are filled with clear fluid and strong itch (stage vesicolosum ) form. The bubbles burst mostly on fast and drench (stage madidans ). After drying crusts form (stage crustosum ). When the trigger of eczema occurs only once, shed form finally (stage squamosum ) and the eczema heals. The acute stage runs uniformly and simultaneously.

Chronic stage

Repeated or prolonged irritation by the trigger the eczema does not heal and becomes chronic. The different forms of reaction (redness, blisters, crusts, scales) occur simultaneously and alternately side by side. In addition, inflammatory nodules occur as well as scratch -related tracks. Eczema in the chronic stage are less sharply defined. The skin swells. As a consequence, results in a coarse skin texture ( lichenification ).

Complications

As a complication of eczema superinfections may occur with bacteria or viruses. A serious but rare complication that occurs mainly in atopic dermatitis is herpeticum caused by the herpes simplex viruses eczema.

Types of Eczema

Much of the forms of eczema can be attributed to three basic types:

• Atopic eczema,
• Allergic contact dermatitis and
• Irritant Contact Dermatitis.

A more refined classification of the forms of eczema is possible according to various criteria. Thus, eczema after the pathogenesis and development ( pathogenesis ), differentiated according to the localization of the eczema as well as special features of the histopathology and causes ( etiology ):

Treatment

The treatment of eczema occurs outside stadiums just and usually with ointments. The consistency of the ointment base should be chosen to match the skin condition: The more acute and weeping eczema is, the higher the water content has to be. Upon formation of crusts and scales a greasy ointment base for the regeneration of the skin is selected. Ointments may also be applied in the form of envelopes. The inflammatory response is suppressed with glucocorticoid ointments. Superinfections caused by bacteria are treated with antibiotic-containing or antiseptic ointments.

In severe cases, glucocorticoids also be given internally. Antihistamines may relieve the itching. With a strong superinfection with bacteria, antibiotics are used internally.

Central importance depending on the form of eczema the avoidance of triggers such as allergens or irritating substances.