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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Is breast eczema contagious?

Breast eczema is simply eczema that occurs on the breast area and is also a type of allergic reaction. This disease is not contagious; it will not spread between people or increase in spread on one's own body. Once this disease occurs, it must be treated properly. Treatments may include oral and some anti-allergic medications, as well as localized red light therapy. It is advisable to visit a dermatology department in a regular hospital to check for allergens, see what triggers the allergies, and possibly cooperate with desensitization treatment. If the breast eczema has persistently poor results, it is recommended to consult a regular hospital again to see if there is a fungal infection in the affected area. If there repeatedly occur lesions, ulcers, and exudative discharges, a local pathological examination should be conducted to check for other pathological changes. After recovery, standardize dietary and living habits, strengthen exercise, and enhance immunity.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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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 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 Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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How to treat infant eczema

Eczema is an intensely itchy skin inflammation reaction caused by a variety of factors, including both external and internal causes. External factors include environmental climate changes, sunlight exposure, animal fur, cosmetics, etc. Internal factors mainly involve food, endocrine disorders, stress, and more. Treatment primarily targets these causes. If caused by external factors, efforts should be made to avoid them. If related to food allergies, such as milk or eggs, these allergenic foods should be avoided. Treatment can also include the use of anti-allergic ointments, commonly corticosteroid ointments, as well as oral anti-allergy medications to assist in treatment.

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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.