Such a dermatological disease as chronic eczema can be found in almost ten percent of the world's population. Let's consider it in more detail in this article.
Description of the disease
At the initial stage, a minor inflammatory process occurs on the surface of the skin, which, when ignored, acquires a chronic form. Although this disease is not contagious (only chronic microbial eczema is an exception ), many people begin to shy away from the patient, especially when exposed areas of the epidermis are affected.
In addition, a chronic form of the disease can provoke an incorrectly selected method of treatment of acute, when the symptoms of eczema are pronounced. Also, most patients make a huge mistake when they stop using medications immediately after the disappearance of signs of the disease from the surface of the epidermis.
It is worth noting that acute and chronic eczema are closely interrelated. A significant role is played by the maintenance of certain hygiene rules, which are recommended by specialists during the treatment of the acute form, and a special dietary regimen. Since ignoring this, it would seem that the disappeared disease can return, but already in a chronic form.
What can provoke?
Eczema refers to polyetiological diseases. It can be triggered by both external and internal factors. Very often they are combined.
Throughout life, any person can be at risk of this disease more than once, but this is possible only under certain conditions, when the development of the disease does not interfere, and the situation only contributes to this. First of all, diseases of the nervous and endocrine systems play a large and, probably, the most important role.
If we rely on the theory of neurogenic pathogenesis, then nervous and psychological diseases, as well as stresses and impaired functioning of the brain, can reflexively trigger an epidermal reaction. There are a number of disorders that are defined as cutaneous neurosis. It is worth noting that in the presence of pathologies on the internal organs, this disease can also manifest itself. This happens when the skin becomes especially sensitive. Then any external negative factor contributes to the more rapid onset of eczema.
The second of the main reasons when chronic eczema occurs is a great sensitivity to various allergens. This occurs after the body has become accustomed to the action of a substance for a long time, and as a result, with the slightest changes, the immune system perceives the other substance as a foreign body and expresses it as an allergic reaction.
Reasons for the appearance
Why does chronic eczema occur? The reasons for its appearance are various. These include:
- stress, neurosis, psychological illness;
- violations of the endocrine system, especially during pregnancy or menopause;
- diseases in the digestive system, as well as an imbalance in the intestinal microflora.
Also, chronic eczema occurs when:
- impaired functioning of the urinary system, as well as the kidneys;
- microbial skin lesions;
- the presence of fungal infections;
- helminthic invasion;
- the impact on the epidermis of external factors, such as artificial resins, metals, household chemicals and much more like that;
- exposure to natural allergens such as pollen, dust, wool;
- lack of proteins and vitamins belonging to group B in the body (this disease often occurs during starvation);
- the presence of any chronic diseases of an infectious nature;
- the use of certain pharmaceuticals.
All these reasons provoke changes on the skin. The latter in the initial stages are almost invisible. With the further development of the disease, when the diagnosis of "chronic eczema" is already made, the above-described causes only contribute to inflammatory processes and disorders in the immune system, which can no longer fight the disease.
Very often, this disease can be found on the hands of people with such professions as a cleaning lady, builder, handyman, doctor. Their skin is constantly under the influence of some substance, as a result of which adversely affects the condition of the skin.
Wet type
Chronic eczema is divided into two types:
The first type is quite difficult and is present mainly on the upper limbs. Chronic eczema of the hands is characterized by the occurrence of erosion, in which exudate appears - a purulent fluid. When pus comes out, then after it dries, peeling forms in the form of a crust, but at the same time, the inflammatory process under it continues to develop.
Dry eczema
The second type of disease is characterized by keratinization and skin thickening.
In addition, there are several subspecies of this disease, which differ from each other in that their occurrence was provoked by various factors:
- Atopic, or idiopathic - it is mainly observed on children's skin. It is severe and can affect any part of the epidermis.
- Sycosiform eczema - inflammatory processes of the hair follicles contribute to its development.
- Varicose - observed on the lower extremities in the presence of varicose veins.
- Dyshidrotic - it can be seen on the soles of the feet or palms. It is determined by peeling with large plates. The main provocateur of this type is sweat. With a rash, not only itching is possible, but also painful sensations. This eczema is very difficult to cure.
- Callous, or tylotic, - like the previous form, is observed only on the palms and feet. In this case, keratinization of the skin occurs, which is accompanied by increased itching.
- Occupational eczema occurs in people who are constantly in contact with various chemicals in the workplace, as soon as this stops, the signs of the disease disappear.
- Chronic microbial eczema is characterized by the fact that inflammatory processes occur as a result of an infectious lesion of a bacterial nature. Such a disease can occur near skin lesions such as abrasions and wounds. With its course, a purulent crust appears.
- Allergic eczema occurs due to an allergen that provokes the onset of the disease.
In some cases, seborrheic dermatitis can be attributed to eczema. Since with all his signs and symptoms he is very close to this disease.
Particular attention is paid to the occurrence of the disease in children. Although it is called diathesis caused by ingestion of food products, but in some cases it does not go away and takes the form of atopic eczema.
Where is it manifested?
Most often, chronic eczema occurs on the hands, face, neck, and forearms. In more rare cases, the foot, lower leg, head and chest may be affected. It is not difficult to determine the diagnosis of the disease - it is enough to consult a specialist who will examine the patient more carefully and prescribe the necessary treatment in his case.
Solutions and decoctions
When a weeping form of the disease with a lot of erosion is observed, then dressings are prescribed, soaked in an astringent and antiseptic solution. In this case, is attributed to:
- "Tannin";
- boric acid;
- "Rivanol".
In addition, it is allowed to use infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants, such as:
- plantain;
- coltsfoot;
- chamomile;
- sage.
Treatment
If only an acute form of eczema, then ointments are used, which include a glucocorticosteroid. For the neck and face, preparations are recommended less concentrated than for other parts of the body. Steroid drugs are prescribed for a short time. Since with their long use, negative consequences can occur in the form of skin atrophy, fungal infections, as well as other no less serious side effects.
When chronic eczema is observed , the treatment of the feet is as follows: at the beginning of the course, a special ointment is applied to the film for several days, which is attached to the affected area and left for a couple of hours or for the whole night. So the medicine is better absorbed through the keratinized cover. In some cases, special means are prescribed to not only soften, but also contribute to the elimination of deposits.
When chronic eczema occurs due to fungal or bacterial infection, ointments of antimycotic and antibacterial effects are prescribed.
To avoid the use of hormonal drugs during treatment, special drugs are prescribed whose action is aimed at improving the functioning of the immune system. After the inflammatory processes have significantly decreased, for greater effectiveness, ointments are also prescribed, which nourish and moisturize the skin.
Eczema brushes. Treatment
For patients who have chronic eczema of the hands, individual treatment is necessary. Since the result does not depend on eliminating the source of the disease, but on the organism itself and its perception of medications. The patient’s lifestyle also plays a significant role.
Mostly recommend such means:
- antihistamine drugs that inhibit the effect of the pathogen on the body;
- sedative drugs;
- Vitamins A, B, C, PP.
Also, without fail, funds that are applied externally:
- Tannin or Resorcinol solution for lotions;
- hormonal cream "Akriderm" or "Triderm";
- to eliminate itching, the following remedies are recommended: "Gestan", "Fenistil", dermatol, boron-naphthalan, tar ointment;
- oil suspension, which includes norsulfazole.
Recommendations for the treatment of eczema
When the diagnosis is "chronic eczema of the hands", the treatment consists not only in the use of drugs, but also in the following recommendations:
- First of all, to streamline the daily regimen, including mandatory walks in the air;
- not only reduce water procedures, but at the same time replace the daily remedy that was used before with a softer one;
- you should try to avoid any contact with household chemicals;
- try not to get a lot of sunshine on your hands, but in some cases, on the contrary, you need a mild tan and ultraviolet.
Diet for treatment
In addition, if you have chronic eczema of the hands, treatment can not do without following a diet. This is necessary in order to eliminate all possible pathogens of the disease. Very often they can be:
- all sorts of nuts;
- Strawberry;
- chocolate;
- citrus.
You also need to give up fried, smoked and spicy foods. The most suitable cooking methods are:
- steam cooking;
- baking;
- quenching.
The daily diet itself should consist of:
- cereals;
- boiled veal or rabbit;
- stewed vegetables;
- apples, preferably green.
When a person has chronic eczema (her photo is presented at the beginning of the article), then he is strictly forbidden to drink drinks containing even a small amount of alcohol.
Doctor's advice
With this disease, it is almost impossible to completely recover, despite the fact that the patient turned to a specialist at the initial stage. Treatment in this case is aimed at alleviating the course of eczema and preventing exacerbations.
Each patient will be able to do this, following the recommendations of doctors:
- stick to a diet;
- prevent the occurrence of infectious diseases;
- monitor the condition of the gastrointestinal tract.