The young woman bought a new, impressive earrings and a necklace, which included nickel. After a short time of wearing on the ear flaps and on the neck, erythema appeared and numerous lumps and exudative vesicles appeared beneath the skin. Then exudate and skin erosions appeared. Diagnosis by an allergist - allergy to nickel. The picture of the jewelry eliminated the symptoms of sensitization. Similar artificial contact allergens may be synthetic fibers produced from crude oil. from the so-called polyester, which can be found in almost every garment fabric, ie in shirts, clothing, upholstery.
Very many people get sick for years and can not recognize the substance that causes eczema
This means severe skin lesions for these people: erythema, numerous papules and blisters, exudation and skin erosions. These symptoms depreciate the patient's appearance and well-being so that they usually cause severe depression and inability to work. Ignorance of allergens and, therefore, the inability to avoid them - affects the deepening of the disease and serious loss of health and social and professional position.
Can the patient recognize the allergen himself?
Sometimes some patients can identify the sensitizing substances themselves. However, this is not easy and in most cases only an experienced allergist-dermatologist can guide the patient to the cause of his sensitization.
What makes it difficult to recognize the cause of sensitization?
The similarity of allergic and non-allergic contact eczema is a problem. Diagnosis should therefore be confirmed by special contact tests.
What is the allergen recognition procedure?
The principle is to perform epidermal tests (so-called patch tests) to detect a specific allergen responsible for skin lesions.
Treatment of eczema (treatment of allergic contact eczema)
The most effective remedy is to avoid the allergen - after its detection. Permanent elimination of an allergen - eg by changing the work performed, or careful avoidance of contact with objects and substances that sensitize - leads to the fact that skin blemishes should disappear and the health condition should normalize. Sometimes, however, the detection of an allergen is prolonged over time. It also happens that it is not impossible to completely avoid contact with an allergen. In this situation, we should take pharmacological treatment.
What medications are helpful in treating contact eczema?
Local treatment depends on the severity of skin changes, i.e. whether the inflammation of the skin is acute or chronic. Depending on the doctor will apply disinfectant packs (solution of tannin, silver nitrate, aerosol antibiotics or short-acting corticosteroids). General treatment is based on antihistamines that reduce inflammation of the skin and pruritus. One of the newest drugs in this group is fexofenadine. Corticosteroids are used only in the case of very severe changes and not under the influence of antihistamines.
Note: similar symptoms to eczema causes urticaria - acute and chronic.
Acute urticaria and angioneurotic edema
Chronic urticaria and angioneurotic edema
Ed. Edward Ozga - Michalski
Consultation dr hab. Andrzej Danysz