One of the most common skin diseases of the hands and feet is dermatitis. Often this disease is the result of pathologies of the internal organs, which are displayed as toxicoderma. The effectiveness of the treatment of this disease directly depends on the degree of development and type of dermatitis, as well as the cause of its occurrence. We will talk about factors, species classification and treatment methods in this material.
Causes of the disease
Dermatitis on the legs is an inflammation that develops mainly on the skin of the lower extremities as a result of physical and biological factors. This disease is not transmitted by airborne droplets or other routes. When identifying the first symptoms, you must immediately consult a doctor and in no case do self-medication. The doctor will initially establish the cause of the appearance and development of dermatitis, and then prescribe an individual treatment. Dermatitis on the legs can develop for the following reasons:
- wearing shoes made of synthetic material that does not let air through, as a result - the skin does not “breathe”;
- in case of non-observance of personal hygiene;
- after insect bites;
- as a result of contact with chemicals;
- after washing the feet with products that greatly dry the skin, causing peeling;
- the use of hand washing detergents that cause allergies;
- with improperly selected cosmetics for foot and arm care;
- due to wearing tight shoes that compresses the leg;
- with prolonged exposure to the scorching sun;
- after radiation
- after severe hypothermia or a sharp change in temperature conditions;
- due to contact with poisonous plants or animals;
- as a result of fungal, bacterial or viral damage to the skin.
Also, the development of dermatitis on the legs and hands can also be triggered by endogenous factors, namely:
- Endocrine system disease is the most common cause that leads to metabolic disorders and diabetes mellitus. As a result, trophic tissue changes and vascular pathology appears. Of course, these factors are reflected in external changes in the skin in the form of inflammation and redness.
- Due to a weakened immune system, which is affected by chronic infectious diseases, as well as a number of problems with the work of internal organs. As a result, the body is not able to withstand pathogenic microflora, therefore, rashes with a characteristic itch appear.
- Allergic reaction of the body. Dermatitis disease belongs to the group of allergic dermatoses due to the characteristic symptoms that appear as a result of contact with irritants: household chemicals, food, cosmetics, etc.
- Heredity. In the event that a close relative suffered from dermatitis, then the likelihood of developing this pathology increases significantly.
- With a disorder of the nervous system. Constant stresses, emotional overstrain, violation of food intake adversely affect the functioning of all organs of the body, as a result - the appearance of an inflammatory process on the skin.
It should also be noted that among the factors there are cases when frequent constipation, impaired liver function and intestinal dysbiosis affect the occurrence of dermatitis. Regardless of the cause of the disease, it is necessary to timely diagnose and treat it with a dermatologist.
Why does dermatitis appear in children?
In addition to the above causes of the appearance of dermatitis, in children a characteristic rash or skin irritation can be caused by such factors:
- poorly formed digestive system;
- excess protein and sweets in the diet;
- the use of artificial mixtures for feeding newborns;
- in violation of the warm regime.
During lactation, a woman needs to carefully monitor her diet and refuse foods that can cause allergies and, as a result, dermatitis on the baby’s legs or arms.
So the list of products that need to be reduced to a minimum of consumption:
- citrus;
- honey;
- Strawberry;
- black currant;
- smoked meats, spices and spicy foods.
You also need to carefully consume eggs, chocolate, red fish and seafood. Nursing mothers should also completely exclude carbonated drinks and alcohol from the intake.
In adolescent children, dermatitis on the legs or arms may appear during intensive preparation for exams or control tests due to lack of sleep, stress, and severe nervous strain. During this period, parents need to “equip” their child’s diet with vitamins and minerals, as well as monitor their outdoor activities.
Types of Dermatitis
All types of the disease appear in the form of red spots, dry skin, the appearance of swelling and small cracks in the skin. However, it is necessary to disassemble certain types of dermatitis, which have pronounced signs.
Varicose dermatitis
This type of dermatitis on the legs (photo - below) appears as a result of circulatory disorders in the veins of the lower extremities.
Venous valves are not tightly closed , so the process of blood stagnation occurs, exudate is sweated through the stretched walls of the vessels and severe swelling is formed.
Moreover, trophic tissue in this part of the body is manifested by such symptomatic signs:
- the skin becomes thinner, drier and peeling appears;
- the color of the skin acquires a reddish-purple color, in places with a blue tint;
- pronounced inflammatory foci on the skin;
- temperature rise;
- severe persistent itching.
With untimely treatment of varicose dermatitis, trophic ulcers can form, which will increase in size over time. Then purulent inflammation is formed. As a result - tissue death and sepsis. Varicose dermatitis on the legs of an adult also manifests itself in those who are overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle and are genetically predisposed.
Allergic dermatitis
This type of disease usually appears on the feet of both adults and children. This pathology develops as a response of the body to the influence of exogenous and endogenous factors.
The name of the type of dermatitis "allergenic" fully reflects the reason for the development: allergens enter the human body through food, medicine, dust, wool and pollen of plants. Usually, this type of dermatitis manifests itself as urticaria and eczema. Among the characteristic symptoms, the following should be highlighted:
- severe redness of the upper layer of the skin;
- rash;
- severe itching.
Less commonly - blisters, they contain a transparent exudate.
Infectious Dermatitis
This type of disease is caused by various fungi, bacteria and viruses. Mostly, dermatitis occurs on the legs against the background of an infectious disease. Bubbles appear, and serous exudate is released from them. After the bubbles burst, weeping areas form on the skin, which gradually acquire a dark color.
In the affected areas, severe itching and burning. Typically, the target direction of therapy is aimed at the complete elimination of infection with the help of antiviral, antibacterial and immunomodulating drugs. The doctor also prescribes antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of ointments, tablets and injections.
Neurodermatitis
Considering the types of this disease, one cannot but mention its atomic form (neurodermatitis). Dermatitis on the legs (photo - below) of this form manifests itself in the form of intense itching, which intensifies closer to the night.
With a relapse, pathological rashes either disappear or disappear. However, itching remains constant. As a result of combing, the skin is damaged and a weeping eczema appears. An infection gets through the damaged skin. Rashes then take the form of bubbles, which gradually become covered with a dry crust. Outwardly, such formations resemble scales. It is necessary to note the general state of health of the patient: apathy, weakness, decreased pressure, nervous breakdown and frequent breakdowns. This type of dermatitis is chronic. It is necessary to undergo a complete medical examination and follow the optimal treatment regimen.
Symptoms of leg dermatitis
The development of dermatitis manifests itself in different ways, depending on the course of the form. Often, the disease manifests itself in the form of skin rash, redness, and swelling.
In some cases, dryness, peeling and erosion may occur. This disease mainly affects the lower limbs. Often there is an atopic form of dermatitis, which has an allergic reaction. Especially acute discomfort to the patient is a rash on the toes, since in these places the skin is especially sensitive.
With advanced forms, eczema can develop. In the event of a disease flowing into a chronic form, a complete and lengthy treatment will be required.
Dermatitis on the legs: how to eliminate the disease
It is important to know that a dermatologist is involved in the treatment of this disease. The treatment regimen should be selected purely individually after the doctor identifies the main provoking factor and the type of course of the disease. When dermatitis is on the legs, treatment of symptoms should be comprehensive. If an allergic form of pathology is detected, then the following steps must be taken:
- exclude any contact with the irritant;
- if food products are a provoking factor, then it is necessary to exclude them from the diet;
- affected areas of the skin must be treated with ointments, based on corticosteroids (they relieve itching and inflammation).
It is also necessary to add sorbents to the therapy: activated angle, Atoxil, Enterosgel, etc.
Treatment of dermatitis on the legs in adults is accompanied by the appointment of a doctor with a wound healing effect: Panthenol, Bepanten, Levomekolevaya ointment, etc.
Immunomodulators and a complex of vitamins are also prescribed to increase the body's defenses. Often the doctor attaches secondary therapy - antibacterial and antifungal drugs. In order to reduce the inflammatory process, the doctor prescribes salicylic ointment (mainly with dry skin). Watery bubbles pierce and extract contents. The wound is treated using Burov fluid every 3 hours. However, this procedure is carried out only on condition of a hospital.
To reduce clinical symptoms, a dermatologist can prescribe a course of physiotherapeutic procedures, which also help to consolidate the result.
Folk remedies
Dermatitis on the arms and legs can be eliminated with the help of folk remedies. However, one should not forget that an alternative method of treatment is not complete. But as an additional measure, it is possible, even necessary, to use folk remedies, however, after consultation with the attending physician.
Basic recipes of traditional medicine:
- Sea buckthorn ointment: 2 tsp. Sea buckthorn oil must be mixed with 50 g of baby cream. The resulting mixture needs to process the affected skin areas of the body.
- It is necessary to make a decoction, which includes St. John's wort, chamomile, sage, and a succession. The broth is used for foot baths. It helps reduce itching and relieve inflammation.
- One effective way: raw potatoes grated on a fine grater. It is necessary to do a compress 2-3 times a day. As a supplement, take potato juice by mouth ¼ cup 3 times a day.
Each folk recipe may contain a potential allergen that can provoke the development of the disease. Therefore, in order not to aggravate the situation, it is necessary to consult with your doctor before using folk remedies.
Prevention
Especially carefully you should familiarize yourself with the possible causes that provoke dermatitis on the lower and upper limbs. Any of the factors can be independently excluded. This will be the first excellent preventative measure. Keep in mind the basic rules of personal hygiene. You must use hypoallergenic detergents, purchase clothes made from natural fabrics and choose only comfortable shoes. Your health is in your hands!