Acute eczema
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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[Causes and pathogenesis of acute eczema
There are many causes of acute eczema. These include contact hypersensitivity to specific plant allergens, such as poison ivy, oak and other allergens. Nickel, external medicines such as bacitracin, neomycin and benzocaine flavors, preservatives in personal care products and organic substances in supplements are also common causes of acute eczematous inflammation. Dermatitis irritation usually occurs after repeated contact with water, solutions or solvents. With the so-called "id" reaction, acute eczema with vesicles occurs in a place remote from an active fungal infection (for example, on the palms and soles). Stagnant dermatitis, scabies, irritation reactions, as well as disgidrotic and atopic eczema can manifest as acute eczematous inflammation.
Symptoms of Acute Eczema
Clinical symptoms of acute eczema include erythema, edema, vesicle formation and wetness. Inflammation - from moderately expressed to strong. On the surface of the skin appear small, transparent, fluid-filled vesicles. Bubbles may develop. If provoking factors can be avoided, rashes improve in 7-10 days, by the 3rd week the skin becomes completely clean. Excoriation predisposes to infection and causes congestion of serous fluid, crusts and pus. The result of excoriation can be a secondary staphylococcal infection, as well as worsening of dermatitis and an increase in its duration.
Laboratory Diagnosis of Acute Eczema
A patch test should be performed to assess delayed-type hypersensitivity if the localization of eczema involves contact, if the disease recurs and fails to treat, or is aware of contact with skin allergens at work or other habitual occupations.
Treatment of Acute Eczema
Cool moist dressings and external steroid creams contribute to narrowing of the skin vessels, suppressing inflammation and itching. A clean cloth is moistened with cool water or Burov's solution and placed on the affected area for 30 minutes. Then carefully rub the appropriate steroid cream (group II or III). Systemic corticosteroids are used only in the case of severe or generalized eczema. The initial dosage is approximately 1 mg / kg / day with a gradual decrease within 3 weeks. Too short a course of treatment can cause a relapse or resonance effect. Systemic antihistamines of the first generation can alleviate the itching in acute eczema, and their sedative effect contributes to the improvement of sleep. When secondary infection is prescribed antibiotic against Staphylococcus aureus (eg, cephalexin) for 10-14 days.