These spots develop when pressure and swelling cause capillaries, the smallest blood vessels, to burst. If stasis dermatitis goes untreated, swelling can move beyond the ankle to the calf and skin can become shiny. Open sores, called venous ulcers, can form on the lower legs and tops of feet. Severe stasis dermatitis can cause permanent skin changes, including thickening, hardening, darkening or a bumpy, cobblestone-like appearance.
Treatment for stasis dermatitis includes identifying and treating its root cause as well as controlling its various symptoms. Physicians typically diagnose stasis dermatitis by examining the skin but may also run tests to check blood flow and to help identify the root causes of poor circulation.
People with the condition will typically experience symptoms in cycles of flare-ups, and periods of little to no symptoms. During flare-ups, patches of skin may appear rough, dry, and itchy.
Contact dermatitis happens when a substance touches your skin and causes an adverse reaction. These reactions can develop into rashes that burn, sting, itch, or blister. Contact dermatitis may be the result of an allergic or an irritant reaction. In irritant contact dermatitis an outside substance directly damages the skin and causes a reaction. Meanwhile, in allergic contact dermatitis, the outside substance may not directly damage the skin but will cause your immune system to react in a way that does so.
In dyshidrotic dermatitis , the skin cannot protect itself. This results in itchy, dry skin, often accompanied by small blisters. It occurs mainly on the feet and hands, and may also occur in people who perspire heavily in these areas.
People may refer to seborrheic dermatitis as cradle cap when it occurs in infants. This type of dermatitis is most common on the scalp, though it can also occur on the face, chest, and around the ears. It often causes scaly patches, skin discoloration, and dandruff. Stress or lack of sleep can worsen these symptoms. The symptoms of dermatitis range from mild to severe and will look different depending on what part of the body is affected. Symptoms will vary on the type of dermatitis causing them, although they can often be difficult to distinguish.
Dermatitis also causes skin discoloration. However, this will appear differently on different skin tones. On darker skin, dermatitis rashes will typically appear gray, purple, or a shade darker than your normal skin tone. On lighter skin, dermatitis patches will typically appear pink or red.
The causes of dermatitis vary depending on the type. However, environmental triggers can often be the reason for specific flare-ups. The trigger is what causes your skin to have a reaction.
It could be a substance, your environment, or something happening in your body. Contact dermatitis occurs when you come in direct contact with an irritant or allergen. Common materials that cause allergic reactions include:. Atopic dermatitis is often the result of a combination of factors like dry skin, environmental setting, and bacteria on the skin.
Also seek help if the itchy areas do not improve with self-care. Evidence of infection includes pain, fever, increased swelling and redness, or open areas accompanied by pus. Ulcers or sores require medical attention. The doctor will do an exam to determine the cause of the swelling; vein studies may be suggested and, rarely, a culture or skin biopsy may be done. Compression stockings a specially designed stocking that applies pressure to the leg to prevent fluid from pooling may be recommended.
Stronger corticosteroid creams may be used for short periods not prolonged periods, however, due to the possible thinning of the skin from chronic use. Infection may be treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics. Oral medications may be used to control heart failure or reduce the presence of fluid. Bolognia, Jean L. Dermatology , pp. Never self-diagnose or you risk depriving yourself of enjoyable and nutritious foods for no good reason.
Unnecessarily avoiding certain foods such as dairy products can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Emollient creams add moisture to the skin. Apply moisturisers each day to clean, dry skin. It is especially important to moisturise after showering and bathing, and when living or working in an air-conditioned or heated environment.
You may need to try several different brands until you find the emollient that works best for you. Ask your doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist for advice. Eczema responds well to anti-inflammatory creams. Topical steroids corticosteroids come in various strengths and are available by prescription from your doctor. Generally, it is better to use the lowest strength that works adequately.
Using high-strength topical steroids for extended periods, especially on delicate areas like the face, can cause side effects, including thinning of the skin. It is best to apply the cream to reddened areas after bathing, but make sure the skin is thoroughly dry. In severe cases of eczema, a short course of oral corticosteroids may be necessary.
This must be done under careful medical supervision because symptoms may become worse once you have finished taking the tablets. Pimecrolimus cream is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory cream that can help reduce flare-ups of eczema if applied at the first signs of eczema. Applying coal tar to affected areas is another way to reduce the itch from eczema. Coal tar has a strong smell and tends to stain any fabric it touches. Only use it under supervision of a doctor who is experienced in managing eczema.
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation can help reduce the symptoms of chronic eczema. A person with stubborn eczema may need up to 30 sessions. The risks of unsupervised ultraviolet radiation therapy can be the same as for sunbathing — faster ageing of the skin and greater risk of skin cancer.
Most people affected by eczema can manage the condition with creams and ointments alone. While oral medication can help people whose eczema is resistant to treatment, their side effects can include high blood pressure, increased susceptibility to all types of infections, and mood and behavioural changes.
Because of these risks, and the need for close and regular monitoring, oral anti-inflammatory treatment is only considered in severe cases of eczema that are difficult to control with other therapies.
New treatments are currently being developed for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. One group is called biologic therapy. Dupilumab is the first of these biologic therapies to be approved by the Commonwealth Government Therapeutics Goods Administration TGA and is undergoing clinical trials in Australia and overseas for the management of severe eczema. This treatment is generally administered by an injection into the fat tissue once a fortnight.
Other biologics being investigated in clinical trials include Tralukinumab and Lebrikizumab. JAK inhibitors are tablets taken once or twice daily. Agents under investigation include Baricitinib, Udapicitinib and Abroocitinib. There is growing evidence that allergens introduced into the body through the skin can lead to the later development of food allergy, asthma and hay fever. Aggressively treating eczema in children and taking steps to restore normal skin barrier function may lower the risk of future development of these conditions.
An intact skin surface is our best defence against skin infections. This is why a person with eczema is prone to bacterial and viral infections, including:.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. Acne is common and can make people of all ages feel embarrassed, but treatments can help if acne is causing distress. For unexpected after-hours medical issues, there are telephone helplines, pharmacies, after-hours medical clinics or doctors who can visit you at home.
0コメント