Eczema is a non-contagious and non-life-threatening skin disease that is common all over the world, affects one-fifth of people at least once in their lifetime, and is seen in all age groups, including infants. In general, the words ‘eczema’ and ‘dermatitis’ are used synonymously. The clinical appearance varies according to the severity of the disease, the body region and the chronicity of the event.
Major clinical manifestations:
redness
Blisters
water bubbles
Dandruff or thickening of the skin
watering
Crusting and cracks.
Light or dark discoloration can be seen in eczema. One or more of these appearances can be seen in any eczema patient. Eczema can differ from one patient to another. In addition, eczema can differ from one part of the body to another.
Exogenous Eczema is generally subdivided as follows:
1 – Allergic Eczema:
Eczema caused by an allergic response to a product applied to the skin surface,
2 – Irritant Eczema:
Eczema caused by the irritation effect of a product applied to the skin surface.
Classification of endogenous eczema:
1 – Atopic eczema:
It is a type of eczema seen in childhood and is usually seen together with allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever in the family history.
2 – Seborrheic dermatitis:
This name is given because this eczema occurs in the areas of the skin that produce the most oil in the body (eg, scalp, face, back and chest).
3 – Nummular dermatitis:
It got its name due to its clinical appearance (meaning like money). It usually involves the arms and legs.
4 – Varicose – Stasis Dermatitis:
It is eczema associated with varicose veins on the lower leg.
5 – Dyshidrotic eczema:
It is an eczema that tends to form symmetrically and shows water bubbles on the palms, soles and fingers.
6 – Xerotic eczema:
It is an eczema associated with the reduction and drying of the skin’s oil, usually seen on the legs of elderly people.
Although this classification seems the simplest and most comprehensive, it does not cover all eczema that can be encountered. For example, a type of eczema in one place may spread to the body, which is called autosensitization. If the rash covers the whole body, it is called erythroderma or exfoliative dermatitis.
