What is eczema?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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Eczema is a type of skin inflammation caused by multiple internal and external factors, characterized by various forms of rashes that usually have a significant tendency to exude fluid, hence the name "eczema." It usually comes with significant itching and is prone to recurrence, causing distress in patients' lives. Infant eczema is a common type of skin disease in babies and is a specific type of eczema. Commonly known as "milk cradle cap" in folk terminology, it is not a fungal disease but, like eczema, is an allergic reaction type of skin disease. Unlike other forms of eczema, however, infant eczema typically diminishes and often disappears as the child ages, with only a small fraction continuing into adulthood.

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Does baby eczema spread?

Babies with eczema indicate that the child has skin damage. Eczema is a common skin disease in infants and is not contagious, so eczema does not spread as only infectious diseases are contagious. When a child has eczema, the first step is to ensure proper moisturizing. On this basis, under the guidance of a doctor, some mild corticosteroids can be used. Normally, if we come into contact with a child who has eczema, we will not contract it ourselves. Parents can be reassured about this, as this is an inherent immune response of the child and is not spread through contact or the respiratory or digestive tracts.

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Symptoms of scrotal eczema

Scrotal eczema is a common type of eczema that is confined to the scrotal skin and can sometimes extend around the anus, and less commonly to the penis. Clinically, it often presents symptoms of chronic eczema: the scrotal skin becomes dry and thickened, with deeper wrinkles and a walnut-like appearance, often with thin crusts and scales, and darkened skin pigmentation, although there can also be pigment loss due to scratching. When exudation occurs, the scrotal skin can show erythema, edema, crusting, and fissuring. There is often intense itching, which can prevent sleep. Due to the difficulty of treatment and recurrent nature, the scrotal skin can undergo lichenification.

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How to treat allergic eczema?

The treatment for allergic eczema primarily involves avoiding allergens and, under the guidance of a doctor, choosing oral medications such as antihistamines, vitamin C, or topical treatments like ointments or powders.

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Can infants with eczema take baths?

Infant eczema is an allergic disease, and its skin can become secondarily infected, especially if cleanliness is not maintained, making it prone to bacterial infection. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to hygiene with eczema, and next, some anti-allergy medications should be used. If the body is very dirty, bathing is definitely possible. When bathing, it is important to ensure the water temperature is appropriate. If there are broken areas on the skin, it might be necessary to use boiled water, cooled to around 37 degrees Celsius, for bathing the baby, which is the best. Additionally, eczema can be treated topically with some ointments to promote its subsidence.

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Breast eczema and eczematous carcinoma

Breast eczema and eczematous carcinoma are very different and completely distinct from one another. Firstly, breast eczema is an inflammatory skin disease, whereas eczematous carcinoma is a malignant skin disease. Additionally, breast eczema typically presents with eczematous skin manifestations like erythema, papules, and vesicles, while eczematous carcinoma may also present with breast lumps. Finally, in terms of treatment, breast eczema can be completely cured, whereas eczematous carcinoma cannot be completely cured if it progresses to a late stage.