Symptoms of eczema

Written by He Da Wei
Dermatology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Eczema is an intensely itchy skin inflammation reaction caused by various internal and external factors. It is categorized into three phases: acute, subacute, and chronic. 1. Acute eczema: Initially, the skin lesions appear as numerous, densely packed millet-sized papules, vesicopapules, or small vesicles with a reddish base that gradually merge into patches. Due to scratching, the tops of the papules, vesicopapules, or vesicles break open, leading to distinctive punctate exudation and minor erosion with unclear margins. If secondary infection occurs, the inflammation becomes more pronounced, possibly forming pustules, crusts, folliculitis, and boils. There is severe itching. Commonly affected areas include the head, face, behind the ears, extremities, scrotum, and perianal region, often symmetrically distributed. 2. Subacute eczema: Following the reduction of acute eczema inflammation, skin lesions primarily consist of small papules, crusts, and scales, with only a few vesicopapules and erosions, yet intense itching persists. 3. Chronic eczema: Often, chronic eczema results from reoccurring episodes of acute and subacute eczema that do not resolve, or it may start as chronic eczema. Characteristics include thickened, infiltrated skin at the affected sites, which tend to be brownish-red or have pigmentation, a rough surface covered with scales, or crusting caused by scratching. There is severe itching. Common sites include the lower legs, hands, feet, elbows, knees, genitals, and anus. The duration of the disease is variable, it is prone to relapse, and is often long-lasting without resolution.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Do you need to avoid certain foods if you have eczema?

Eczema is considered an allergic disease, and the specific allergens can be difficult to determine as they vary from person to person. Generally, it is related to decreased immunity and may also be linked to genetic factors within the family. Frequently consuming spicy foods, staying up late, or living in a damp and unclean environment can all potentially trigger eczema. Once eczema occurs, it is essential to avoid spicy and irritating foods. Avoid contact with chili peppers, mutton, seafood, and alcohol. Proper treatment should be enforced to prevent it from becoming chronic eczema. During treatment, do not wash with hot water; use warm or cool water instead. Avoid going to public baths or swimming pools, and stay away from places with many plants or animals to reduce inhalation of pollen or dust mites.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can eczema spread?

Generally, based on the distribution characteristics of eczema rashes, we can divide it into localized eczema and generalized eczema. Localized eczema occurs in specific areas, such as the hands, ears, vulva, perianal area, breasts, elbow pits, popliteal fossae, and lower legs. These eczema cases generally do not spread but are relatively fixed. Generalized eczema, however, can be locally scattered or spread throughout the body. When care is improper, due to excessive scratching, scalding with hot water, failure to treat promptly or incorrectly, excessive use of steroids, or if it is accompanied by other internal diseases (such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, etc.) that are not well controlled, then the range of the eczema rashes might spread throughout the body.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of infantile eczema infection

Infant eczema is a very common skin disease in young babies. There are many causes of infant eczema, with the main reason being allergic factors, which are closely related. The symptoms of eczema include the production of many rashes. The most common locations are the baby's face, and many babies might have rashes all over their bodies. Eczema can easily recur, especially when exposed to allergenic substances or when consuming allergenic foods. Additionally, damp skin is also a significant factor. All these causes can lead to a worsening of eczema. It is crucial not to let the child scratch the affected area, as breaking the skin can lead to infection symptoms.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What should I do about my baby's dry eczema?

Babies with dry eczema still need proactive treatment, as dry eczema can cause local skin flaking and itching, leading to extreme discomfort for the child. The primary treatment for dry eczema consists largely of moisturizing; using a baby-specific moisturizing cream applied thickly three to four times a day typically controls most cases of dry eczema effectively. If this approach doesn't manage the condition, under the guidance of a hospital doctor, the use of mild corticosteroid creams can be considered, alongside dietary controls for the child. If the baby is breastfed, the mother should avoid consuming beef, mutton, nuts, and seafood. If the baby is formula-fed, depending on the severity of the eczema, an amino acid-based formula or a hydrolyzed protein formula can be chosen.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What should not be eaten with eczema?

The pathogenesis of eczema is very complex. As for which foods should be avoided, it is based on frequent observation. If you are unsure about which foods to avoid, you can go to the hospital for allergen testing. It is important to be cautious about dietary restrictions for babies, and while avoiding certain foods, it is also necessary to ensure the intake of nutrients.