Eczema (dermatitis)

Eczema, or dermatitis, is a skin change condition seen in 80% of infancy due to different reasons.

Atopic dermatitis in childhood is mostly due to an allergic reaction. The picture seen in these ages is usually temporary.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin disease that defines an allergic picture. The existence of two causes is necessary for the emergence of an allergic situation. The first is an allergy-prone body, the second is the substance that causes the allergy. Allergy-causing stimuli can come from outside the body, as well as from the body’s own system.

Atopic dermatitis in childhood is mostly due to an allergic reaction. The picture seen in these ages is usually temporary. Adult dermatitis does not heal on its own. Professional help should be sought at this stage.

Some types of contact eczema react immediately (irritant contact dermatitis)

In some cases, an allergic reaction may not be seen immediately. (allergic contact dermatitis)

The most common type of eczema is eczema, which is called irritant contact dermatitis and develops immediately after contact.

In the acute period, eczema can be inflamed, itchy and inflamed.

What causes eczema?

As we mentioned, eczema may be a reaction caused by external stimuli and caused by contact, although its source is not known exactly. However, it may develop as a result of a reaction of the digestive or respiratory system.

Source of dermatitis (contact dermatitis-contact dermatitis) caused by external stimuli:

clothes

paints

Cosmetics

Cleaning products etc. There may be stimuli.

Contact dermatitis can develop in any body that comes into contact with these stimulating factors. Those who are prone to allergies should protect themselves at this stage and fight eczema.

In women, eczema conditions that can develop due to many reasons;

During pregnancy, when hormonal changes are at their peak

It is observed that it increases during menstrual periods.

However, eczema can be seen due to different allergic reactions in different geographical regions and climates.

Hot

Stress

drug use

Some types of fruit and flowers that come into contact with the skin can also cause eczema in some organisms.

Frequent contact with chemicals, in particular, plays an accelerating role in the development of contact dermatitis.

Does frequent hand washing cause eczema?

The fact that frequent hand washing alone causes an allergic reaction depends on whether the person has an allergic body or not. However, one should not ignore the effect of frequent hand washing, facilitating the emergence of allergic conditions by causing weakening of the protective function, which is one of the functions of the skin. Although it is exceptional, it can be said that this situation may cause eczema in terms of preparing the ground for the formation of eczema.

In summary, as we said at the beginning, two conditions that affect the formation of eczema:

an allergic organism

Cause of allergy

External factors

are internal factors

Atopic eczema, which is mostly seen from infancy to adolescence, has a temporary picture. It does not continue into adulthood.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Itching, redness, edema, blisters and stages of scaling during the healing period are the symptoms of eczema. Especially itching causes eczema to spread throughout the body. The bursting of the blisters formed by itching reveals the inflammatory condition. Infected skin causes a painful and inflamed eczema process. It should not be itchy as much as possible.

It is known that eczema that occurs on the scalp (the most common type is seborrheic eczema, it can be seen on the scalp, neck area, around the nose, on the nape) is associated with a type of fungus (pityrosporum).

Eczema takes different names, involving different body parts.

Is eczema a chronic condition?

Eczema is a disease condition that heals spontaneously and does not recur when it is seen generally in children starting from 1-2 months and up to puberty (adolescence). Childhood eczema (the most common type of atopic dermatitis) rarely persists into adulthood.

However, eczema seen in adulthood may improve and not appear again, depending on the body’s immune system response. Over time, if the symptoms are encountered again, that is, if the eczema recurs, it can be mentioned that the disease becomes chronic. It should be known by our patients that in case of recurrence of eczema, the chronic condition will reappear in certain periods and will be seen again over time.

Eczema is not a contagious disease. However, the diagnosis of the disease must be made correctly and it must be separated from another fungal disease and other skin diseases.

Is eczema contagious?

Eczema is not a contagious disease. However, we would like it to be clearly understood that we are talking about a diagnosed type of eczema.

“Undiagnosed by a dermatologist, itchy rashes on the body should be diagnosed as ‘eczema’ and said that it is not contagious.”

Seborrheic eczema is a table that covers the scalp, neck area, forehead and nape line.

Does eczema increase in winter?

It would not be wrong to say that eczema multiplies in the winter months due to the dryness of the skin. Eczema table may increase in winter.

Are sea and sun good for eczema?

It has been observed that the sun and salt water have a positive effect on many types of eczema in the summer months. However, sunscreens to be applied to the body may need to be chosen very well. At the same time, it is extremely important to sunbathe correctly, as excessive exposure to sunlight will increase the negative reaction on the skin. It is not recommended to sunbathe except for the advice of your specialist. It is important that the type of eczema is determined and the diagnosis is made correctly.

Sun and sea may not be good for all types of eczema. Follow your doctor’s advice.

What kind of diet should be done in eczema? What foods cause eczema?

Once dieting, eczema must be definitively diagnosed and the diet must be regulated by a physician. If it is a contact dermatitis, that is, an eczema that develops due to external stimuli? Does it originate from the respiratory tract or digestive system? Etc. A diet cannot be arranged without having information.

In this case, the classification of foods that cause eczema is not correct. Also, as we say in all other diseases: There is no general eczema. There is a patient with eczema.

Seborrheic eczema type can affect the nose area.

How is eczema treated?

As we have stated in each of our articles, we would like to repeat here, do not try to be treated with the information you read on the internet. Eczema, like all other diseases, can be progressive.

Do not diet without the advice of a doctor, neither you nor your child.

Eczema is detected by allergy tests and it is determined what you have an allergic reaction to.

Each eczema reaction is based on one or more different factors.

Do not give the treatment diet your doctor gave you to another eczema patient just because he or she looks like you.

Regardless of whether it is well-intentioned or malicious, do not favor the treatment approach of anyone who is not an expert.

Do not scratch the eczema area

Make sure that the part of your underwear that touches your skin is of cotton, non-squeezing type.

If the seams cause irritation when touching your skin, wear reverse. You will also prevent the labels from touching your body.

Do not wash your underwear with perfumed fabric softeners. The chemicals it contains may contain molecules that can cause irritation on your skin.

Rinse and dry your clothes that touch your skin very well. Iron them all if possible.

Fabric, etc., which previously caused an allergic reaction. Avoid this type of clothing.

Food, medicine, etc. that you think is causing an allergic reaction. Share the ingredients with your doctor.

Phytophotocontact dermatitis is an eczema derivative that occurs when the skin comes into contact with the sun after contact with some plants. (like figs)

Is herbal treatment good for eczema?

First of all, we definitely need to get away from this thought. “Herbal treatment is harmless”. This idea is a very dangerous phrase that states that every plant or plant extract can be applied to the body and will not harm it. However, an allergic reaction can develop against many plants and the human body can react dangerously. Eczema symptoms can be seen when some plants come into contact with the skin and are exposed to the sun. (Phytophotocontact dermatitis due to phototoxicity)

In planning the treatment, the physician may prefer some herbal applications and preparations. However, this does not mean that every plant or herbal product is safe.

Again and again, we say emphatically that you should never try to be treated with the information you get from the internet.

Do not advise anyone.

Any ointment, cream or medicine that is good for you may increase eczema in another patient, or even carry the allergic reaction to a different dimension and even cause the death of the patient.

Do not scratch the eczema area.

Try not to keep it moist.

Use your medicines regularly and go to your doctor for a check-up after you finish using your medicine.