CONTACT ECZEMA

Contact eczema can be divided into two distinct problems,which are referred to as direct irritant contact dermatitisand allergic contact dermatitis. The former term refers to exposure to acids, detergents and various other chemicals that acutely inflame the skin. The condition can become chronic with repeated exposure. This form of eczema is often encountered in the workplace.

Allergic contact eczema is caused by exposure to an allergen that sensitizes the skin leading to acute inflammation when re-exposure occurs. A crucial distinction between the two is that prior exposure to the agent is necessary for allergic contact eczema to occur whereas direct irritant contact eczema can occur at the first exposure. For example, most people will develop eczema on first exposure to strong chemicals.

Eczema can cause a wide range of symptoms. All types of eczema cause itch, with the exception of seborrheic. The main symptoms (one or all may be present) include: redness, weeping skin, pain, heat, tenderness, scaling, crusting, dryness, fissures (broken skin) and vesicles (small blisters) occur.