Eczema is characterized by itchy, red, and bumpy skin. There are various types of eczema, and some are more common in adults, children, and the elderly. This article, supervised by a dermatologist, will introduce the main symptoms and types of eczema.
![Main symptoms of eczema (dermatitis)]()
Main symptoms of eczema (dermatitis)
The main symptoms of eczema are as follows:
itch
Itching is caused by inflammation of the skin or the production of a substance called histamine in the body. Sometimes the itching can be so severe that you can't help but scratch. Although itching is generally thought of as a mild form of pain, research into itching is progressing daily, with recent discoveries of substances that cause itching.
Red bumps and rough texture
Redness of the skin is called "erythema," and bumps are called "papules." Erythema occurs when capillaries dilate, while papules are formed when capillaries enlarge, causing plasma to leak out of the blood vessels and the skin to become raised.
small blisters
Small blisters are called "vesicles." They appear as raised bumps on the skin because fluid accumulates in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin.
Primary rashes, which are itchy rashes that occur on healthy skin due to various factors, can lead to secondary rashes that become infected with pus or develop into erosions (a condition in which the epidermis of the skin or mucous membrane is lost, exposing the underlying tissue) if scratched and other factors cause changes over time.
Common eczema (dermatitis)
Atopic dermatitis
It causes severely itchy eczema that repeatedly worsens and improves. It is known that people with a family history of atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, or conjunctivitis, or those with a naturally weak skin barrier function, are more prone to developing atopic dermatitis.
hand eczema
This refers to eczema that appears on the palms, backs of the hands, and fingers. Also known as "housewife's eczema," it is generally caused by damage to the skin's barrier function due to daily contact with water and detergents, leading to a decrease in sebum production. It is said to be more common in people with an atopic predisposition. The palms and fingers become dry, red, and itchy, and in severe cases, cracking and pain may occur.
contact dermatitis
There are two types of contact dermatitis: primary irritant contact dermatitis, which can occur in anyone due to the toxicity or physical irritation of the causative substance on the skin, and allergic contact dermatitis, which is caused by allergies to substances such as lacquer or metals. Symptoms include redness and eczema-like rashes such as small blisters.
Hand eczema can be caused by primary irritant contact dermatitis resulting from occupational overuse of the hands, such as by hairdressers, or by allergic reactions, such as latex allergies. It's important not to take hand eczema lightly and to understand the underlying cause.
Seborrheic dermatitis
It appears in areas with active sebum secretion, such as the face, scalp, armpits, and genitals. Red rashes appear on dry, flaky skin, sometimes forming yellowish scabs. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from facial atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis caused by cosmetics.
nummular dermatitis
Circular, coin-shaped eczema often appears, particularly on the lower extremities, accompanied by intense itching. It can also occur on the arms and trunk, and seems to be slightly more common in winter.
Autosensitized dermatitis
It often develops when mild eczema or rashes worsen, and the body's own immune response causes red bumps and swelling all over the body, along with intense itching.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Xerosis is a condition where the skin's ability to retain moisture decreases and sebum production is reduced due to factors such as aging or excessive washing during bathing. Eczema develops when this skin, with its weakened barrier function, is subjected to some kind of irritation. The skin becomes dry and flaky, and it becomes intensely itchy. This condition is characteristic of aging societies.
Rosacea-like dermatitis
This condition is called "rosacea" because it closely resembles the symptoms of facial redness. It causes redness on the face and acne-like bumps. It is thought to be caused by factors such as the continuous application of steroid medications.
Dyshidrotic eczema
This condition involves the appearance of numerous small blisters, about 2-5 mm in diameter, scattered across the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The cause is often unknown, but it is important to differentiate it from palmoplantar pustulosis, which is sometimes associated with metal allergies.
Do veteran lacquer craftsmen never get allergic reactions to lacquer?
![Do veteran lacquer craftsmen never get allergic reactions to lacquer?]()
Many people may have the impression that lacquer causes allergic reactions. This is due to a reaction with urushiol, the main component of lacquer; when it comes into contact with the skin, the body's allergic reaction attempts to eliminate it, resulting in eczema. Lacquerware artisans, in particular, are concerned about allergies because they frequently handle lacquer. However, it is said that many lacquer artisans who handle lacquer every day do not experience allergic reactions.
It seems that, based on anecdotal evidence, repeated exposure to lacquerware can alter the skin's immune system, leading to tolerance and almost complete elimination of symptoms. While tolerance doesn't develop with all allergies, in the case of lacquerware, the allergic reaction may subside, and the condition may heal naturally.
Types of eczema (dermatitis) that are more likely to occur with age
Eczema that babies are prone to
Infant seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis (diaper rash), heat rash, eczema due to food allergies, and childhood dry eczema (symptoms include cracking and flaking due to dryness, as well as itching and rashes when irritated).
Eczema that is common in children
Contact dermatitis (rash), dry eczema in children, etc.
Eczema that is common in the elderly
Seborrheic dermatitis, asteatotic eczema, nummular eczema, etc.
Beware of "caterpillar dermatitis," which is common in children!
![Beware of "caterpillar dermatitis," which is common in children!]()
From spring to summer, when children are more likely to play outdoors in light clothing in parks and other places, insects with poisonous hairs also become more active. Caterpillars, in particular, require caution. Not all caterpillars are poisonous, and dermatitis can only occur if you come into contact with certain caterpillars that have poisonous hairs, but the brown-tail moth is said to be one of the most common causes of damage. Caterpillars have a habit of feeding on the leaves of specific plants depending on the species, and the brown-tail moth feeds on the leaves of camellias and sasanquas, which are often planted in parks and other places.
A single caterpillar has hundreds of thousands of poisonous hairs, and contact with them will cause numerous red, bumpy rashes and intense itching. If you realize you have clearly touched a caterpillar, gently press the area with adhesive tape such as cellophane tape or duct tape to remove it, and then wash the area thoroughly with running water.
Even if you develop many itchy rashes, the itching will subside within a week with treatment mainly involving the application of topical steroid ointment, so please consult a dermatologist.