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 Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Is eczema contagious?

Infectious diseases are communicable diseases caused by the infection of pathogenic microorganisms or parasites, whereas eczema is an allergic reaction of the body itself and thus is not contagious. In daily life, whether it is through conversation, sharing utensils or bath items, or even direct contact with the rash of an affected individual, transmission does not occur, and family members of the patient do not need to take any protective measures. If you are around someone with eczema, there is no need for caution or discrimination, which is completely unnecessary. Some might worry whether scrotal eczema can be transmitted sexually. Sexually transmitted diseases are primarily transmitted through sexual contact or activities similar to sexual behaviors, while scrotal eczema is a common inflammatory reaction of the scrotal skin, triggered by a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction due to both internal and external factors, and it is not contagious. Therefore, scrotal eczema is not a sexually transmitted disease.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
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What is eczema?

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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Written by Xie Ming Feng
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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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Written by Zhu Zhu
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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.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
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What to eat for eczema

Patients with eczema can choose some foods that have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, removing dampness and relieving itching, strengthening the spleen and aiding digestion, cooling the blood and calming the liver. However, dietary therapy only plays a supporting role in treatment and is not a professional method. Therefore, patients with eczema must actively seek treatment under the guidance of a doctor.