What causes chronic eczema?

I believe everyone is familiar with the disease of eczema. Its biggest characteristic is itching, which is generally distributed symmetrically. Not only adults are prone to eczema, but many children are also victims of eczema. If eczema is not resolved in time when it occurs, it can easily develop into chronic eczema, which is harmful for a long time. So, what causes chronic eczema? Let’s take a look at the specific reasons below.

Causes

The causes of the disease are complex, with internal and external factors interacting with each other and often being multifaceted. Patients often have allergic constitutions, which are related to genetic factors, so the disease occurs in specific populations.

Common internal factors include: gastrointestinal dysfunction, mental stress, neurological dysfunction, endocrine disorders, infectious lesions in the body, intestinal parasites, etc.

External factors such as sunlight, wind, cold, heat, scratching, friction, contact with soap, cosmetics, animal fur, plants, chemicals, etc. can also induce it.

Clinical manifestations

It is mostly caused by repeated attacks of acute or subacute eczema, or it may present as chronic inflammation from the beginning. The skin of the affected area becomes infiltrated and thickened, turning dark red and pigmented. If the condition persists, the skin lesions will become larger, dry and prone to cracking. It is commonly found in the calves, hands, feet, elbows, vulva, and anus.

The patient feels severe itching, with dense patches of erythema, papules, papulovesicles or blisters, which are easy to exude and have unclear boundaries. There are small papules and papulovesicles scattered around, often accompanied by erosion and crusting. If secondary infection occurs, pustules or pus crusts may appear. With proper treatment, the inflammation will be alleviated and the skin lesions may disappear after 2 to 3 weeks, but it often recurs and may become subacute or chronic.

treat

1. General prevention and control principles

Find allergens as much as possible; avoid various external stimuli; avoid allergenic and irritating foods.

2. Internal medication

One or two antihistamines. Since eczema often itches severely at night, it is best to take them once after dinner or before going to bed. Oral or intramuscular glucocorticoids are generally not recommended. It can also be treated with traditional Chinese medicine.

3. Topical medications

Apply topical glucocorticoid cream and seal the wound if necessary. Local immunomodulators such as tacrolimus and arsenic trioxide have good therapeutic effects and can also reduce the side effects of long-term use of topical hormones.