Appointments for “eczema” are available only at the dermatology outpatient department of IC Clinic Shinjuku.
“What kind of condition is eczema?”
“What causes eczema?”
You may have questions like these.
Eczema is a collective term for skin inflammation accompanied by symptoms such as blisters or red, bumpy rashes.
This article explains the causes and symptoms of eczema for those who have the above questions, as well as for those who want to know about treatment approaches and medications used for eczema.
If you are troubled by eczema, please use this article as a reference.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is eczema?
- 2 Why does eczema occur? Causes of eczema
- 3 What are the symptoms of eczema?
- 4 Are there different types of eczema? Types of eczema
- 4.1 Types of eczema (1) Classification by cause
- 4.2 Types of eczema (2) Classification by body area
- 4.3 Types of eczema (3) Classification by symptoms
- 5 Can eczema be treated with medication? How to treat eczema
- 6 How is eczema diagnosed? Testing and diagnostic methods for eczema
- 7 Frequently asked questions about eczema
- 7.1 Q: Can eczema be a sign of an underlying condition?
- 7.2 Q: Is stress the cause of eczema?
- 7.3 Q: What is the difference between eczema and a rash?
- 8 For eczema treatment in Tokyo, please consult IC Clinic
What is eczema?
Eczema is a collective term for skin inflammation accompanied by symptoms such as the following:
- Redness
- Bumps
- Blisters
- Itching
It affects a wide range of age groups, from infants to the elderly, making it a familiar condition for many people.
In addition, the causes of eczema and the degree of symptoms such as itching and pain vary widely, which can make accurate diagnosis challenging.
Why does eczema occur? Causes of eczema
The causes of eczema can be divided into two categories: environmental factors and internal factors.
Environmental factors include external triggers such as metals, pollen, house dust, medications, and bacteria, while internal factors refer to one’s general health, skin condition, atopic predisposition, and individual constitution.
Note that a combination of both factors may lead to varying symptoms.
What are the symptoms of eczema?
Eczema symptoms differ between the acute phase (when symptoms appear suddenly) and the chronic phase. In the acute phase, a mixture of the following symptoms is commonly observed.
In the early stage of inflammation, small red bumps accompanied by itching appear. Scratching these bumps excessively can cause blisters or lead to fungal or bacterial infection, resulting in pain, fever, or pus, so care should be taken.
As eczema worsens, blisters may rupture, the skin may become raw, and ulcers—open sores in the skin—may develop.
After the initial inflammatory stage, scabs form; however, scratching due to continued itching can cause the scabs to come off, worsening skin rawness and ulcers, so caution is needed.
In the chronic phase, the skin becomes thickened and raised while some acute-phase symptoms persist. In some cases, a dark reddish pigmentation may remain, or conversely, the skin may lose pigmentation and appear white.
Are there different types of eczema? Types of eczema
There are many types of eczema. Below, we introduce them according to the following classifications:
- Classification by cause
- Classification by body area
- Classification by symptoms
Please refer to the summaries of the characteristics of each type of eczema below.
Types of eczema (1) Classification by cause
The table below introduces types of eczema classified by their underlying cause.
| Contact Dermatitis | ・Eczema caused by an allergic reaction ・Triggered by metals, foods, cosmetics, and similar substances |
|---|---|
| Seborrheic Dermatitis | ・Eczema caused by the overgrowth of naturally occurring skin microorganisms ・Commonly occurs in areas with excess sebum production, such as the scalp, nose, and underarms |
| Atopic Dermatitis | ・Eczema that occurs in individuals with an atopic predisposition, including allergic rhinitis |
| Stasis Dermatitis | ・A form of chronic eczema ・Caused by impaired venous blood flow in the lower limbs |
Eczema classified by cause is often triggered by allergic reactions.
Note that stasis dermatitis may develop after prolonged periods of standing, so those who work on their feet should be mindful of this.
For more information on seborrheic dermatitis, please refer to the article below.
Related article: What causes seborrheic dermatitis? Symptoms, treatment, and prevention explained
Types of eczema (2) Classification by body area
Eczema can occur in specific areas of the body. The table below provides an overview.
| Hand Eczema | Chapped skin on the hands that develops from frequent wet work using detergents |
|---|---|
| Lip-licking Dermatitis | Eczema caused by repeatedly licking the mouth or lips when they become dry |
| Diaper Dermatitis | Eczema that develops in the diaper-wearing area of infants |
Without proper care for each area, eczema such as that described above may develop, so please be attentive. Parents in particular are encouraged to care for both their own hands and their baby’s skin.
Types of eczema (3) Classification by symptoms
The table below introduces types of eczema classified by their symptoms.
| Nummular Eczema | ・Eczema characterised by coin-shaped red raised patches ・Caused by repeatedly scratching eczema triggered by dry skin |
|---|---|
| Lichen Simplex Chronicus (Vidal’s Lichen) | ・Chronic eczema occurring on the back of the neck, underarms, and similar areas ・Caused by friction from clothing or metal allergy ・More common in middle-aged women |
As shown above, some types of eczema are caused by repeated scratching. To help prevent itching from dry skin, it is advisable to keep the skin well moisturised.
Can eczema be treated with medication? How to treat eczema
The standard approach to treating eczema involves medications known as steroids.
This is because steroids have anti-inflammatory properties. When the skin is red, it is in a state of inflammation, so medications with anti-inflammatory effects can help improve symptoms.
Among steroid treatments, topical steroid ointments are used for mild, localised eczema, while oral steroids are used when eczema is widespread and severe.
When a fungal or bacterial infection is present, antifungal or antibacterial agents are used respectively, and oral antihistamines are appropriate for managing itching.
How is eczema diagnosed? Testing and diagnostic methods for eczema
For eczema, the physician will first conduct a medical interview covering the following:
- Location of symptoms
- Circumstances of onset
- Possible causes
- Nature of symptoms
After the interview, the colour and appearance of the affected area are examined. If an allergic cause is suspected, allergy testing may be performed; if an internal medical condition is suspected, blood tests may be carried out.
Frequently asked questions about eczema
Finally, we address some frequently asked questions about eczema.
QCan eczema be a sign of an underlying condition?
If itchy eczema recurs chronically, there is a possibility of atopic dermatitis.
This occurs when the skin’s barrier function is impaired and various external stimuli interact with an individual’s constitution and immunological factors.
Additionally, if eczema is triggered by external stimuli such as aluminium or nickel, a metal allergy may be suspected.
QIs stress the cause of eczema?
“Seborrheic dermatitis,” a type of eczema, is considered to be primarily associated with stress.
In addition to stress, the following factors are also considered potential causes:
- Vitamin deficiency
- Hormonal imbalance
- Irregular lifestyle
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Lack of sleep
When sebum balance is disrupted by any of the above factors, eczema may develop.
For more information on seborrheic dermatitis, please refer to the article below.
Related article: What causes seborrheic dermatitis? Symptoms, treatment, and prevention explained
QWhat is the difference between eczema and a rash?
The difference between eczema and a rash lies in whether it is a diagnosis or a symptom.
Specifically, a rash and fatigue are “symptoms,” whereas eczema, urticaria (hives), and influenza are diagnoses (conditions). Therefore, a rash is something that may occur as a result of eczema.
For eczema treatment in Tokyo, please consult IC Clinic
If eczema worsens, there is a risk of ulcers developing, so it is important to seek attention early.
To help minimise the likelihood of scarring after treatment, we recommend consulting us as soon as you notice any eczema-like changes on your skin.
If you develop eczema, please consult IC Clinic before symptoms worsen, regardless of the degree of inflammation.
Appointments for “eczema” are available only at the dermatology outpatient department of IC Clinic Shinjuku.
