Symptoms of anal eczema

Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

Updated on September 06, 2024

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Anal eczema actually refers to perianal eczema, which mostly affects the skin around the anus and can also extend to the perineum and external genitalia. Depending on the duration of the disease and the condition of the skin lesions, anal eczema can be clinically divided into acute and chronic types. The clinical symptoms mainly manifest as: in the acute phase, the skin around the anus is red and moist, with papules and skin erosions, while in the chronic phase, the local skin is infiltrated and thickened, with fissures, often accompanied by itching and pain.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

54sec

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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 Yao Li Qin

Pediatrics

53sec

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Is infantile eczema contagious?

Pediatric eczema is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin condition that typically presents during infancy and early childhood. Some children may continue to experience symptoms into childhood and even adulthood. It is characterized by skin damage but is not infectious; thus, pediatric eczema is not contagious, which should reassure parents. The causes of pediatric eczema are complex and relate to immune dysfunction or deficiency, and nutritional disorders. External factors also play a role, such as allergies to milk, fish, shrimp, or eggs, as well as mechanical irritation or improper care, all of which can lead to eczema. However, it is not contagious. Poor care can lead to local bacterial infections of the skin, which parents must be careful to avoid.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

2min 27sec

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How to treat baby eczema?

Infant eczema is a common type of skin allergic inflammation in children, with a higher incidence in infants and young children. General care for infant eczema primarily involves skin care, focusing on moisturizing the skin. Children who are allergic in nature are more susceptible to eczema triggered by allergens, hence it is crucial to avoid allergens. It is advisable to wear cotton clothing, preferably in light colors, which are soft and comfortable. It is best to avoid synthetic fibers or animal fur clothing, as these can easily cause allergies. Additionally, skin moisturizing is important; it is recommended to keep bath times under ten minutes and the water not too hot. Avoid using alkaline bath products, which can scrub the baby's skin and potentially damage the skin barrier, worsening the eczema. The recommended water temperature is around 38 degrees Celsius, and bathing time should not exceed ten minutes. Room temperature should not be too warm. The room's air humidity should be maintained between 50% to 70%. It is advisable for infants not to be overly full when feeding, as excessive food intake can burden their digestive system and potentially exacerbate eczema. Mothers should be cautious with their diet, avoiding spicy, stimulating foods or allergenic foods like seafood. For baby rashes, moisturizers, predominantly those with a simple composition like mineral oil and free of dyes and fragrances, are recommended. Avoid using diluted lotions with a high water content. Applying moisturizer within about 3 minutes after bathing can optimize moisture retention. If the eczema is extensive with noticeable exudation or redness, and the baby is noticeably distressed, further medical consultation should be sought at a hospital. Dermatologists can prescribe appropriate medication based on the baby’s condition. It is generally not recommended for parents to use corticosteroid ointments on their own due to potential side effects and risks of improper use.

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Written by He Da Wei

Dermatology

1min 57sec

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Symptoms of eczema

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 Yao Li Qin

Pediatrics

1min 13sec

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How to treat infant eczema?

Infant eczema is a common skin problem in infants and toddlers, also known as atopic dermatitis. The first thing to pay attention to when a child has eczema is to moisturize the affected skin. Eczema is caused by dry skin, so moisturizing is particularly important. On top of moisturizing, under the guidance of a doctor at the hospital, we can use some mild corticosteroid creams. Through such measures, eczema can generally be well controlled. However, the biggest characteristic of eczema is that it is particularly prone to recurrence, so for children, we must treat it through diet and allergens. For children who drink formula, depending on the severity of the eczema, the child should be fed amino acid formula or hydrolyzed protein formula. For breastfed children, the diet of the nursing mother needs to be controlled – beef, lamb, nuts, seafood, and foods containing distiller's grains should be avoided. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)