Eczema

WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a skin disease that causes redness, watering, crusting, itching, etc. There are many types, causes and forms of eczema. While some types of eczema can only be seen on the scalp, some types can be seen all over the body. Eczema is diagnosed and treated by dermatologists. Eczema is usually diagnosed by dermatological examination. If there is a different underlying disease, a skin biopsy may be required. The most common types of eczema among the public are known as hair eczema, ear eczema, hand eczema, facial eczema, foot eczema and stress eczema.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ECZEMA? WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER?
•    Allergic Eczema (Allergic contact dermatitis): In this type, the body becomes sensitive to an allergenic substance such as nickel, cement, fragnance. Contact with this substance causes the development of eczema (dermatitis). In allergic types of eczema, a test called a patch test can be performed to determine whether there is a reaction to allergic substances. The patch test is performed by attaching boxes containing allergens (nickel, potassium dichromate, etc.) to the back or back of the arms and keeping them for 48-72 hours. After these boxes are removed from the back, thinning and dermatitis (eczema) are detected in the areas that come into contact with the allergen. Afterwards, the patient is asked to avoid contact with these substances.

•    Irritant Eczema (Irritant contact dermatitis): This type of eczema is more common in people who frequently do house and garden work. It can also be seen in behaviors such as frequent use of products such as hand sanitizer and cologne and excessive hand washing. Here, the barrier function of the skin is disrupted due to the contact of chronic solvents, corrosives and surfactants and eczema develops.

•    Seborrheic Eczema (Seborrheic dermatitis): This type of eczema is mostly seen in people with oily skin as itching, redness and dandruff on the face between the eyebrows, inside the eyebrows, around the nose and at the roots of the hair. It can be seen on the back and in the V area of ​​the chest. The exact cause of seborrheic eczema is unknown. It is more common in people with oily skin. It can be kept under pressure with treatment. It is a chronic disorder and may flare up from time to time. It is reported that there may be an increase in periods such as seasonal transitions, stress, unhealthy diet, and increased oiliness on the skin.
•    Atopic Eczema (Atopic dermatitis): It is a type of eczema accompanied by itching, redness, flaking and skin dryness all over the body, which usually begins in childhood. It is seen in children and adults with atopic constitution. Allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma are more common in people prone to atopy. People prone to atopy should take care to prevent their atopic dermatitis from flaring up:
1)    People with atopic skin should wash their skin with gentle, fragrance-free cleansers. They must moisturize their skin with a sensitive, perfume-free moisturizer after every bath. Dry skin should apply moisturizer daily.
2)   If people with atopic constitution experience seasonal nasal congestion or increased seasonal cough, they should definitely consult specialist physicians in appropriate branches in terms of allergic asthma or allergic rhinitis.
3)    Clothes should be made of 100% cotton, non-sweating and breathable fabrics. Fabrics such as nylon and polyester increase the risk of sensitivity and dermatitis.
4)    Using vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters reduces the amount of aeroallergens (allergens/mites in the air) in the home. It reduces the risk of developing conditions such as allergic asthma etc. Paying attention to this feature in home vacuum cleaners will benefit daily life.
5)    Dust-collecting items such as shag carpets or rugs at home need to be removed. Dusty environments pose a risk of exacerbation of diseases in people with atopic constitution.
6)    Ambient air should not be too dry or too humid. Especially in winter, heaters can dry the ambient air. The use of humidity regulating devices is recommended.
7)    Strong detergents such as cologne, bleach, and products containing alcohol may increase the complaints of people with atopic skin. Gloves should be worn while doing house and garden work, and direct skin contact with this and similar agents should be avoided.
8)    It is recommended to choose 100% fiber pillows and quilts. Wool and similar duvets can release dust.
9)    When choosing skin care products, it is recommended to use products with the phrases “fraganace free” and “gentle”.

•    Water eczema (Dyshidrosis): In this type of dermatitis, small very itchy blister-like bumps appear on the hands, palms and edges of the fingers. Patients generally complain about itching. It may recur from time to time. There is no known definitive cause. It can be resolved with treatment.