Eczema

Digital Lecture Series : Chapter 11

Dr. Shashikumar B. M.
Associate Professor,
Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences,
Mandya
 CONTENTS

 Definition  Seborrheic dermatitis

 Classification  Asteatotic eczema
 Irritant contact dermatitis  Nummular eczema
 Allergic contact dermatitis  Stasis dermatitis
 Patch testing  Lichen simplex chronicus
 Photodermatitis  Prurigo nodularis
 Polymorphous light eruptions  Disseminated eczema
 Hand eczema  Principles of management
 Atopic Dermatitis  MCQs
 Pityriasis alba  Photo Quiz
 Introduction

 Dermatosis : Condition of the skin.

 Dermatitis : Inflammation of the skin.
 Eczema : Type of dermatitis.

 'Ekze', in Greek means “to boil over”.

 Definition : Eczema is type of dermatitis characterized by erythema,
edema papulo-vesicles, oozing in acute stage, crusting and scaling in
subacute & lichenification in the chronic stages and histologically
characterized by spongiosis.

“All eczemas are dermatitis, but not all dermatitis are eczemas.”
 Classification

 Exogenous eczemas :
External cause for the eczema is identifiable.

 Endogenous eczemas :
An internal cause or an inherent property of the skin is
responsible.

 Some types of eczema are precipitated by both external and

internal factors. Eg: Xerotic eczema
 Classification

Exogenous eczemas Endogenous eczemas

 Irritant dermatitis  Atopic dermatitis
 Allergic contact  Pityriasis alba
dermatitis  Seborrhoeic dermatitis
 Photodermatitis  Discoid eczema
 Hand eczema
 Asteatotic eczema
 Gravitational eczema
 Lichen simplex chronicus
 Prurigo nodularis
 Clinical stages

 The inflammatory changes of eczema evolve through three

stages :
• Acute eczema
• Subacute eczema
• Chronic eczema

 The skin changes vary in different stages.

 Acute eczema

Classical clinical features

 Intense itching
 Intense erythema
 Oedema
 Papulovesicles
 Oozing
 Subacute eczema

Classical clinical features

 Erythema (lesser than in acute
stage)
 Crusting and scaling
 Fissuring
 Slight to moderate itching
 Stinging and burning sensation
 Chronic eczema

Classical clinical features

 Dryness of skin
 Excoriation
 Fissuring
 Lichenification - combination of
thickening, hyperpigmentation &
increased skin markings.
Exogenous Eczemas
 Irritant contact reaction

 Non-immunologic inflammatory
reaction of the skin due to an
external agent.
 Varied morphology.
 Clinical types
• Symptomatic (subjective)
irritant responses.
• Chemical burns.
• Acute irritant contact dermatitis.
• Chronic irritant contact
dermatitis.
• Others
 Chronic irritant dermatitis

Common irritants
 Water and wet work; sweating under occlusion.
 Household agents: detergents; soaps; shampoos; disinfectants .
 Industrial cleaning agents: solvents; abrasives.
 Alkalis, including cement; acids.
 Cutting oils; organic solvents.
 Oxidizing agents, including sodium hypochlorite.
 Reducing agents, including phenols; aldehydes
 Certain plants, pesticides, raw food; animal enzymes and secretions
 Desiccant powders; dust; soil
 Miscellaneous chemicals Contd…
 Chronic irritant dermatitis : Persons at risk

Persons in occupations of
 Housewives
 Dishwashers, bartenders
 Hairdressing
 Medical, dental, veterinary
 Food preparation, catering, fishing
 Printing and painting,
 Metal work
 Construction
 Allergic contact dermatitis

 Dermatitis resulting from delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction

following contact of the skin with an allergen in a sensitized
individual.
 Develops within 12 to 48 hours of antigen exposure and persists
for 3 to 4 weeks.
 Allergic contact dermatitis

Clinical features
 Acute inflammation
• Well demarcated patches of erythema, edema, vesicles or
bullae.
• Linear, erosive and crusted lesions.
 Chronic inflammation
• Lichenification; scaling; or fissures.
• Clinical features depend on location; duration of contact with
allergen.
• Intensity of the inflammation depends on the degree of
sensitivity, concentration of antigen.
 Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergens Sources
Nickel, cobalt Artificial jewellery
Chromium Cement, Painting
Potassium dichromate Leather, detergents
Epoxy resins, phenols Plastics
Parthenium Plants
Propylene glycol Cosmetics, medicaments
PPD Hair dyes
Neomycin, gentamycin Topical medications
 Allergic contact dermatitis

ACD to Hair dye

Bindi dermatitis
 Difference between ACD & ICD

Feature ACD ICD

Dose dependent Usually no Yes
Prior sensitization Yes No
Onset after exposure Day Minutes to hours
Percentage of exposed
developing reaction High Less
Involvement of adaptive
immunity Yes No

Spread to non-exposed areas Yes No

Pain & burning More Less
Itching Early & severe Late & less severe
 Patch testing

 It is test to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis.

 The potential allergen is applied to the skin under occlusion in a
nontoxic concentration for 48-72hrs, sensitized individual show
localized reaction.
 It is the miniature reproduction of eczema.
 It should be undertaken for patients in whom the inflammation
persists even after the avoidance of the offending agent and the
appropriate topical therapy.
 Diagnosis of eczema

Patch testing - Indications

 To confirm the diagnosis in suspected cases of contact allergic
dermatitis.
 Eczemas with atypical presentation and asymmetrical distribution of
lesions.
 To detect underlying external allergen in cases of unresponsive
eczemas.
Example : sensitization to topical medicaments.
 Patch test reading and interpretation

Grading Evaluation Clinical findings

+ or ? Doubtful reaction Faint erythema only

Weak positive reaction Erythema, infiltration and

+ (non-versicular) possibly discrete papules
Strong positive reaction Erythema, infiltration
++ (versicular) papules and vesicles

Intense erythema,
Extreme positive
+++ infiltration and
reaction (bullous)
coalescing vesicles

- Negative; + IR : Irritant reactions ; NT : Not tested

 Patch test

Indian standard series ++ reaction to PPD

 Photodermatitis

 An eczematous response of skin to sunlight

 Distribution typically on the light exposed areas of the skin
 Types of reactions to sunlight :
• Photo-toxic
• Photo-allergic
• Eczematous polymorphic light eruptions
 Photodermatitis

 Systemic/ topical drugs, chemicals, contactants in combination with

UVA spectrum induce phototoxic and photoallergic reactions.
Phototoxic Photoallergic
Incidence Common Less Common

Mechanism Non immunological TYPE IV

Hypersensitivity
Onset on UV
Minutes to days 24-28hrs
exposure
Morphology of the
Sunburn Eczematous
lesion
Diagnosis Clinically diagnosed Photo patch testing
 Phototoxic reactions : Inducing agents

Topical
 Perfumes
 Dyes
 Psoralens
 Tars
 Plants (lime, celery)

Systemic
 Psoralen
 Tetracycline
 Phenothiazine
 Photoallergic reactions : Inducing agents

Topical
 Perfumes (soaps, aftershave)
 Sunscreens (PABA)
 Neomycin
 Halogenated compounds
 Parthenium (congress grass)

Systemic
 NSAIDS
Parthenium
 Phenothiazine
 Thiazides
 Photoallergic reactions

Parthenium induced photoallergic dermatitis

 A type of hypersensitivity reaction aggravated by sunlight.
 Commonly seen in people coming in contact with the pollen grains
and other parts of the plant Parthenium hysterophorus.
 Often occurs in farmers and people living in the vicinity of these
plants.
 Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE)

 Clinically characterized by an
intermittent, delayed, and
transient abnormal cutaneous
reaction to UVR exposure.
 The reaction consists of
nonscarring, pruritic,
erythematous papules, vesicles,
or plaques on the light-exposed
areas of the skin.
 Hand eczema

 Its is not a single disease and it is due to summation of many factors.

 Commonly seen in dermatology practice; can be exogenous,
endogenous or of combined aetiology.
 Causes discomfort, embarrassment, interferes with normal daily
activities.
 Common in industrial occupation and threatens job security if
infection is not controlled.
 Womens are affected twice as often as men
 Hand eczema

Morphological types
 Irritant eczema
 Allergic eczema
 Recurrent focal palmar peeling
 Hyperkeratotic palmar eczema
 Fingertip eczema
 Pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema)
 Id reaction
 Recurrent focal palmar peeling

 A chronic, idiopathic, asymptomatic, non-inflammatory peeling of

palms.
 Common during summer; often associated with sweaty palms and
soles. Occasionally, may involve feet.
 Begins with occurrence of round, scaling lesions (2 or 3 mm) on the
palms or soles; followed by peeling.
 Lesions resolve in 1 to 3 weeks and require no therapy other than
lubrication.
 Fingertip eczema

 Chronic eczema of the palmar

surface of the fingertips, which
may involve one or all fingertips.
 The skin is dry, cracked, scaly and
may break down into painful and
tender fissures.
 Resistant to treatment.
 Advise patient to avoid irritants;
use topical steroids and maintain
lubrication of hands.
 Pompholyx (Dyshidrotic eczema)

 Chronic relapsing palmoplantar eczematous dermatitis characterized

by firm, pruritic vesicles and bullae.
 Deep-seated, symmetrical, pruritic, sago grain-like vesicles,
preceded by moderate to severe itching.
 Vesicles resolve gradually in 3 to 4 weeks, and may be followed by
chronic eczematous changes.
 Cause not known; not associated with any abnormality of the
sweat glands.
 Pompholyx

Multiple deep-seated sago grain-like vesicles

 Hand eczema

General instructions to patients

 Only wash your hands when they are dirty.
 Avoid use of harsh soaps and wash hands with mild synthetic
detergents & lukewarm water.
 Avoid direct contact with cleansers and detergents.
 Avoid direct contact with and/or handling anything that causes
burning or itching. E.g. wool; wet nappies; peeling potatoes;
handling fresh fruits, vegetables, raw meat.
 Preferably wear gloves while doing housework or work that involves
contacting irritants.
 Ensure frequent use of moisturizers and emollients.
Endogenous Eczemas
 Atopic dermatitis

 A chronic, immune-mediated, pruritic, inflammatory skin condition

seen in atopic individuals.

Atopic
Dermatitis

Allergic
Asthma Rhinitis
(Hay fever)

Atopic Triad
 Atopic dermatitis

 Marked by alternating periods of remission and flare-ups.

 A result of complex interplay between environmental, immunologic,
genetic and pharmacologic factors.
 Aggravated by infection, psychological stress, seasonal changes,
irritants, and allergens.
 Atopic dermatitis

Diagnosis
 It cannot be precisely defined as it does not have specific skin
changes, histologic features or diagnostic laboratory test.
 The diagnosis is usually arrived on the basis of clinical findings,
comprising three or more major criteria and three or more minor
criteria (Hanifin and Rajka, 1980).
 Atopic dermatitis

Diagnostic criteria : Major features

 Pruritus.
 Typical morphology and distribution - Facial and extensor
involvement in infants and children, flexural lichenification in adults.
 Chronic or relapsing dermatitis.
 Personal or family history of atopy (atopic dermatitis; asthma;
allergic rhinitis).
 Atopic dermatitis

Diagnostic criteria : Minor features

 Xerosis
 Ichthyosis, palmar hyperlinearity, or keratosis pilaris
 Immediate (type 1) skin-test reactivity
 Raised serum IgE
 Early age of onset
 Tendency toward cutaneous infections (especially S aureus and
herpes simplex) or impaired cell-mediated immunity
 Tendency toward non-specific hand or foot dermatitis
 Nipple eczema
 Cheilitis , Recurrent conjunctivitis
 Dennie-Morgan- infraorbital fold
 Atopic dermatitis

Diagnostic criteria : Minor features

 Keratoconus
 Anterior subcapsular cataracts
 Orbital darkening
 Facial pallor or facial erythema
 Pityriasis alba
 Anterior neck folds
 Itch when sweating
 Intolerance to wool and lipid solvents
 Perifollicular accentuation
 Food intolerance
 Course influenced by environmental or emotional factors
 White dermographism or delayed blanch
 Atopic dermatitis

Clinical features
 Age of onset typically during infancy (2 to 6 months); but may start
at any age.
 Clinical features vary at different phases of life; and comprise:
• Itching
• Macular erythema, papules or papulo-vesicles
• Eczematous areas with crusting
• Lichenification and excoriation
• Dryness of the skin
• Cutaneous reactivity
• Secondary infection
 Atopic dermatitis

Infantile phase (2 months to 2

years)
 Sites : cheeks, perioral area and
scalp; extensors of feet and
elbows.
 Oozing lesions.
 Teething, respiratory infections,
emotional upsets and seasonal
changes influence the disease
course.
 The disease often subsides by 18
months of age; but may progress
to the childhood phase.
 Atopic dermatitis

Childhood phase (2 to 12 years)

 Characteristically involves elbow and
knee flexures, sides of the neck,
wrists and ankles.
 Scratching and chronicity lead to
lichenification.
 Hands may often be involved with
exudative lesions, sometimes with
nail changes.
 Secondary bacterial or viral infection
may give rise to acute generalized or
localized vesiculation.
 Atopic dermatitis

Adult phase (12 years onwards)

 Commonly involves flexural areas.
 The disease may be diffuse or patchy.
 May manifest only as chronic hand eczema.
 Dermatitis of the upper eyelids and blepharitis.
 Atopic dermatitis

Triggering factors
 Anxiety; emotional stress
 Temperature change and sweating
 Decreased humidity
 Excessive washing
 Contact with irritants
 Allergens
 Foods
 Microbial agents
 Atopic dermatitis

Management
 First-line treatment
 Second-line treatment
 Third-line treatment
 Counselling; occupational advice
 Management of Atopic dermatitis

First-line treatment
 Identify and control ‘flare factors’
Topical treatments
 Bathing; Emollients; Humectants
 Corticosteroids
 Calcineurin inhibitors : Pimecrolimus; tacrolimus
 Icthamol and tar
 Management of Atopic dermatitis

First-line treatment
 Oral treatment
• Antihistamines
– Sedative antihistamines preferred
– Promethazine; trimeperazine; hydroxyzine
• Antibiotics
• Systemic steriods (in severe cases)
 Management of Atopic dermatitis

Second-line treatment
 Intensive topical therapy- step up to potent steroid
 Wet wrap technique
 Allergy management
• Food
• Inhalants
• Contact allergy
 Management of Atopic dermatitis

Third-line treatment
 Phototherapy
 Oral immunosuppresants
• Cyclosporine
• Azathriopine
• Thymopentine
• α- Interferon
 Desensitization
 Pityriasis alba

 A common disorder characterized by

asymptomatic, ill-defined,
hypopigmented, scaly macules and
patches.
 Low grade eczematous disrupts
melanosomes transfer from
melanocytes to keratinocytes.
 Primarily seen on the face of
children and adolescents.
 Infrequently involves lateral aspect
of the upper arm; and thighs.
 Pityriasis alba

 Minor feature of atopic dermatitis.

 Hypopigmentation appears prominent in dark skinned patients and
during summer as it stands out against the tanned skin.
DD :
 PIH, tinea versicolor, Indeterminate hansens, previtiligo.
Management :
 Reassurance : self-limiting condition; hypopigmentation is not due to
vitiligo.
 Emollients to control scaling.
 Sunscreens.
 Short course of a topical steroid for actively inflammed lesions.
 Seborrhoeic dermatitis

 A common, chronic, inflammatory papulosquamous disease, which

characteristically involves areas rich in sebaceous glands with high
sebum production and large body folds.
 Lesions favor the scalp, ears, face, central chest and intertriginous
areas.
 Lesions comprise erythema, greasy and scaly papules and red,
coalescing plaques, leading to eczematous changes.
 2 forms - Infantile and adults forms.
 Aetiology

Exact causes not known, several factors implicated :

 Pityrosporum ovale
• Defective cell-mediated immune response to P. Ovale
• Increased P. Ovale in dandruff and affected skin areas
 Overactive sebaceous glands with overproduction of sebum or
alterered sebum composition.
 Immunocompetent persons with family history.
 May be associated with psoriasis; Parkinson’s disease.
 May be a marker of HIV infection.
 Aggravated by emotional stress.
 Clinical features (Infants)

 Commonly affects within first 3 months

of life; rare after 6 months of age; affects
both sexes equally.
 Usually starts in 1st week after birth.
 Affects the scalp (vertex and frontal
areas; the ‘cradle-cap’ area), diaper
area, face (forehead, eyebrows, eyelids,
nasolabial folds, temples), retroauricular
folds, neck and the axillae.
 Lesions comprise tiny papules covered
with yellow, greasy scales; and redness
in the diaper area and axillae.
 Clinical features (Adults)

 Affects hairy areas; mostly men (30 to 60 years).

 Scalp : Earliest sign is dandruff; later followed by greasy scales and
retroauricular fissuring. Inflammation and itching are associted with
dandruff in seborrheic dermatitis.
 Face : Scaling & erythema of forehead, medial portion of eyebrows,
eyelids, nasolabial folds, lateral part of nose and retroauricular
region.
 Trunk : Papules, greasy scales, petaloid pattern.
 Flexural areas : erythema, greasy scaling and secondary infection.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
 Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Aims of Management
 Loosening and removal of scales by
shampoos and keratolytic agents.
 Inhibit colonization by the yeast
P. ovale.
 Reduction of itching and redness.
 Educate patient about chronic,
recurrent nature of the disease.
 Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Management
 Medicated shampoos : selenium sulphide or ketaconazole, ciclopirox
olamine, tar and salicylic lotions.
 Mild topical steroid or antifungals for lesions on face and trunk.
 Short course of systemic steroids or antifungals, UVB therapy, for
recalcitrant disease.
 Asteatotic eczema
(Eczema craquele, winter eczema)
 Eczema associated with a decrease in the skin surface lipids;
excessive dryness of the skin precedes eczema.
 Elderly and atopics affected;
 Starts over shins later may spread to thighs, proximal extremities
and trunk. Face, palms & soles spared.
 Common during winter, low humidity.
 Dry, scaly skin (xerosis); dry, cracked finger pulps; thin, long,
horizontal and vertical superficial fissures on the legs (cracked
porcelain or ‘crazy paving’ pattern, dried riverbed).
 Erythema, eczematous changes, haemorrhagic and purulent fissures
in severe cases.
Asteatotic eczema
 Asteatotic eczema

Management
 Advise to live in a warm room; avoid exposure to cold winds.
 Wear woollen clothing over the cottons, avoid direct contact with
wool.
 Short bath with lukewarm water; and avoid harsh soaps and
detergents.
 Application of emollient, immediately after bathing frequently
thereafter to keep the skin moisturized.
 Lanolin and paraffin based creams; weak topical corticosteroids, in
urea base, which encourages hydration.
 Discoid eczema (Nummular eczema)

 Chronic eczema of unknown

cause, characterized by coin-
shaped plaques with well-defined
margins; lesions may be annular
or ring-shaped.
 Predominantly affects the
middle-aged and elderly persons
with dry skin; rare in children;
aggravates in winter.
 Commonly affects extensor
surfaces of the limbs, trunk,
dorsa of the hands.
 Discoid eczema

Management
 Frequent use of emollients
 Avoid known irritants and allergens.
 Topical corticosteroids
 Systemic steroids in extensive disease.
 Sedative antihistamines
 Broad-spectrum systemic antibiotics in exudative lesions.
 Gravitational eczema
(Venous eczema; Stasis dermatitis)
 It is a common component of the clinical
spectrum of chronic venous insufficiency
of the lower extremities.
 Commonly occurs in persons who require
to stand for long hours.
 Sites: medial aspect of the lower leg.
 Chronic inflammation and
microangiopathy asdsociated with chronic
venous insufficiency is responsible.
 Also contact sensitization & irritant
dermatitis due to stasis ulcer secretion
have a role.
 May present as acute, subacute or chronic
eczema.
 Gravitational eczema

Associated features of venous hypertension :

 Oedema of the legs
 Dilated superficial veins; varicose veins
 Purpura, brownish discolouration due to haemosiderosis
 Erosion; ulceration
 White atrophic telangiectatic scarring (atrophie blanche)
 Elephantiasis nostra (papillomatosis) in chronically congested limbs
 Elevated homocysteinemia.
 Gravitational eczema

Management :
 Management of chronic venous hypertension is the mainstay
 Leg elevation; weight reduction in obese patients
 Adequate compression bandage or stockings
 Surgery for chronic venous insufficiency
 Sedative antihistamines
 Topical steroids
 Systemic antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection
 Lichen simplex chronicus
(Circumscribed neurodermatitis)
 Result of persistent itching and scratching.
 Commonly affects adults (30 to 50 years); often in atopics.
 Presents multiple, intensely pruritic, circumscribed, localized,
lichenified skin plaques.
 Involves easily accessible areas: scalp, nape and sides of the neck,
wrists, extensor surface of the arms, ankles, upper thighs, perineum,
vulva and scrotum.
 Psychological factors may play a role.
 The “Itch / Scratch” Cycle

Itch Scratch

Scratch Itch
 Prurigo nodularis

 Chronic condition characterized by intensely itchy, small, firm,

reddish papules & nodules.
 Idiopathic, papular or nodular form of lichen simplex chronicus.
 Commonly affects individuals (20 to 60 years); both sexes equally;
emotional stress may contribute.
 Usually involves extensor surface of limbs; may also occur on the
face, trunk and the palms.
Lichen simplex chronicus Prurigo nodularis
 Lichen simplex chronicus / Prurigo nodularis

Management
 Educate about the role of stress in causing itching and scratching.
 Counsel to relieve the tension and anxiety.
 High potency steroids, under occlusion. Intralesional steroids for
circumscribed chronic lesions.
 Topical capsaicin; doxepin; sedative antihistamines.
 Topical vitamin D3 in steroid-resistant prurigo.
 Psychotropic drugs : relieve anxiety and depression.
 Disseminated eczema

Auto-eczematizationction/ generalised eczema/ Id reaction

 Eczema has a characteristic tendency to spread far from its point of
origin, known as secondary dissemination or autoeczematization.
 Associated stasis dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis and other
forms of eczema. Occasionally associated with severe tinea pedis.
 Secondary eczema lesions :small, oedematous papules and plaques,
grouped papulovesicles. Seen symmetrically over analogous body
sites.
 It subsides, if the primary lesion settles; but it often recurs, if the
primary lesion relapses.
 Secondary dissemination

Mechanisms
 Contact with an external allergen
 Ingestion or injection of an allergen
 Conditioned hyperirritability
 Bacterial hypersensitivity

Treatment
 Topical corticosteroid and systemic antihistamins.
 Short courses of systemic corticosteroid.
 Principles of management of eczema

 Identify the clinical type of eczema

 Assess the aetiological factors
 Evaluate triggering factors and complications
 Institute appropriate local and systemic therapy
 Management

Topical treatments
 Acute
• Wet compresses (Condy’s, normal saline)
• Calamine lotion
 Sub-acute
• Steroid ointment; cream
• Zinc oxide (ZnO) paste
 Management

Topical treatments
 Chronic
• Steroids (under occlusion, intra-lesional)
• Phototherapy
• Emollients
• Sunscreens
• Immunomodulators: tacrolimus; pimecrolimus
 Management

Systemic treatment
 Antibiotics
 Sedative antihistaminics
 Steroids
 Tranquilizers
 Immunosuppresants
 PUVA therapy
 MCQ’s

Q.1) Mother brought her 5 year old child with a complaint of white
patch over the face. Had similar history lesions 3 months back. On
examination ill-defined scaly macule was seen and sensation was
normal. The most probable diagnosis is
A. Indeterminate Hansens
B. Pityriasis alba
C. Pityriasis versicolor
D. Post inflammatory hypopigmentation
 MCQ’s

Q.2) The following are endogenous eczema except

A. Atopic dermatitis
B. Nummular eczema
C. Diaper dermatitis
D. Stasis eczema

Q.3) White dermographism is associated with?

A. Infective eczema
B. Atopic dermatitis
C. Asteatotic eczema
D. Idyshidrotic eczema
 MCQ’s

Q.4) A topical antibiotic causing frequent allergic contact dermatitis

A. Nadifloxacin
B. Fusidic acid
C. Dapsone
D. Neomycin

Q.5) Among the metals, the most commonest cause of allergy is

E. Nickel
F. Cobalt
G. Chromium
H. Silver
 Photo Quiz

Q. Identify the condition?

 Photo Quiz

Q. Identify the condition?

 Photo Quiz

Q. Identify the variant of eczema

Thank You!