Eczema on different parts of the body
Where does eczema occur and why?
Atopic dermatitis means that you have an inflammation in the body, which causes the skin to become dry, red and itchy. Atopic eczema is not contagious but is caused by a weakened skin barrier or by the skin coming into contact with something to which you are allergic. However, there are many different types of skin rashes and only when a doctor has made an assessment can you know for sure which type of eczema you suffer from. In young children, the eczema often settles on the cheeks, in the folds and on the upper body. In adults, it is more common on the face, neck and hands. Where the eczema is located often affects your symptoms and also the extent to which your everyday life is affected.
Eczema on the face
In adults, atopic eczema often occurs on the face and neck. Atopic dermatitis on the face can also be confused with rosacea. Here you can read more about common skin rashes. Since atopic eczema is often visible, it can be very stressful and also eat away at self-confidence. Some people also choose to take sick leave during the periods when the eczema is at its worst. Do you treat their eczema with cortisone cream? Keep in mind that such creams should not be used on the face because the skin is so thin there.
Eczema on the scalp
Eczema on the scalp is usually dandruff, which is also called seborrheic eczema, read more about it under different types of eczema here. Milk eczema manifests itself as reddened, scaly skin that appears in places on the body where there are a lot of sebaceous glands, such as the scalp, groin and wings of the nose. Eczema should not be confused with ordinary dandruff, which is really just skin deposits from the scalp.
Hand eczema
Eczema on the hands is often a sign of allergic or non-allergic contact allergy - or of atopic eczema. Read more about different types of eczema here. In the case of allergic contact dermatitis, these are usually due to you coming into contact with a substance to which you are allergic. If, on the other hand, it is a question of non-allergic eczema or atopic eczema, it is rather because the skin's natural protective barrier has been broken down, for example through too much washing with soap and water in combination with an underlying inflammation in the skin. However, it is important to point out that atopic eczema is not caused by too thorough washing, but eczema and other symptoms can be aggravated by it. The hands are generally very exposed to wear and tear, partly due to cleaning but also due to exposure to cold and sun. We use our hands for most things and serious rashes on them can be experienced as extremely inhibiting, it can even affect life decisions and career choices. To relieve the eczema, it is good to lubricate them liberally and regularly with emollient cream. Sometimes it can also be good to use thin gloves that protect the hands against bacteria and wear.
Eczema around the eyes
Atopic eczema around the eyes is not uncommon. If you scratch them, the eyelids usually swell and the skin becomes red and dry. It can be extremely disabling and also affect vision. Eczema around the eyes can also be caused by a contact allergy.
Eczema in the abdomen
Itching in the vagina can be caused by several things. It can be a venereal disease or fungus but it can also be due to eczema. If you have symptoms such as redness, itching and burning that do not go away, you should contact a gynecologist. For those of you who have already been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, there is a high risk that the eczema has spread to the abdomen.
In atopic eczema, the skin barrier is weakened and therefore extra sensitive to wear and bacteria. If you shave or have wounds in the abdomen, bacteria can more easily enter the skin and activate the body's immune system. The result is an inflammation that leads to eczema and itching. Get into the habit of using gentle soap or intimate oil when you shower and bathe. All so as not to dry out the abdomen unnecessarily. Read more about atopic eczema here.
Eczema in the ear
Atopic eczema in the ear is relatively uncommon. Ear canal eczema is more common. Then it starts to itch inside the ear, the ear canal becomes stuffy and swollen and it can run everywhere from the ear. Hearing is also often affected. If you can avoid scratching the eczema, it often heals on its own. When the eczema disappears, the hearing also returns. But sometimes the eczema causes an inflammation of the ear canal and the ear becomes red, swollen and sore - especially when you yawn or eat. You may also get a fever. To alleviate the discomfort and avoid an infection, it is good not to scratch and to keep the ear dry at all times.