Definition

Eczema is a non-infective inflammatory skin condition that shows itching, redness and scaling. Eczema represents a reaction pattern to a variety of stimuli, some of which are recognized but many of which are unknown. Eczema and dermatitis mean the same thing and may be used interchangeably. ‘Atopy’ defines those with an inherited tendency to develop asthma, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis or atopic eczema and is present in 15–25% of the population. Atopics produce high levels of circulating immunoglobulin (Ig) E antibodies, commonly to inhalant allergens (e.g. house dust mite).

Classification

The current classification of eczema is unsatisfactory in that it is inconsistent. However, it is difficult to provide a suitable alternative as the aetiology of most eczemas is not known. Different types of eczema may be recognized by morphology, site or cause. A division into endogenous (due to internal or constitutional factors) and exogenous (due to external contact agents) is convenient (Table 1). However, in clinical practice, these distinctions are often blurred and, not infrequently, the eczema cannot be classified. A further division into acute (Fig. 1) and chronic (Fig. 2) eczema can be made in many cases according to the morphology of the eruption.

Table 1 A classification of eczema

Fig. 1 Acute dermatitis (eczema).

Erythema and oedema are seen with papules, vesicles and sometimes large blisters. Exudation and crust formation follow. The eruption is painful and pruritic. This case resulted from a contact allergy to a locally applied cream.

Fig. 2 Chronic dermatitis (eczema).

Lichenification, scaling and fissuring of the hands due to repeated exposure to irritants. Allergic contact dermatitis cannot be excluded on the appearance alone.

Acute eczema

In acute eczema, epidermal oedema (spongiosis), with separation of keratinocytes, leads to the formation of epidermal vesicles (Fig. 3a). Dermal vessels are dilated, and inflammatory cells invade the dermis and epidermis.

Fig. 3 The histology of (a) acute and (b) chronic dermatitis.

Definition

Dermatitis precipitated by an exogenous agent, often a chemical, is known as contact dermatitis. It is particularly common in the home, among women with young children and in industry, where it is a major cause of loss of time from work (see p. 124).

Aetiopathogenesis

Irritants cause more cases of contact dermatitis than allergens, although the clinical appearances are often similar. Often, there is an inherited susceptibility to react to irritants. Allergic contact dermatitis is an example of type IV hypersensitivity (p. 11).

Irritants cause dermatitis in a number of different ways, but usually by a direct noxious effect on the skin’s barrier function. The most important irritants are:

A strong irritant causing necrosis of epidermal cells will produce a reaction within hours but, in most cases, the effect is more chronic. Repetitive and cumulative exposure over several months or years to water, abrasives and chemicals can induce dermatitis, commonly on the hands. Individuals with a history of atopic eczema are more susceptible to irritants.

Clinical presentation

Contact dermatitis may affect any part of the body, although the hands and face are common sites. The appearance of a dermatitis at a particular site (Fig. 4) suggests contact with certain objects. For example, an eczema on the wrist of a woman with a history of reacting to cheap earrings suggests a nickel allergic response to a watchstrap buckle (Fig. 5). Diagnosis is often not easy as a history of irritant or allergen exposure is not always forthcoming. Knowing the patient’s occupation, hobbies, past history and use of cosmetics or medicaments helps in listing possible causes.

Fig. 4 Distribution clues for contact dermatitis.

Fig. 5 Allergic contact dermatitis to nickel in a watchstrap buckle.

Nickel sensitivity is the commonest contact allergy, affecting 10% of women and 1% of men. Usually, it causes only an inconvenient eczema at jewellery or metal contact sites, but an industrial dermatitis can result, e.g. in nickel platers or metal machinists.

Environmental sources of common allergens are shown in Table 2. Medicaments (p. 17) and cosmetics (p. 108) can also induce allergic or irritant reactions. Allergic contact dermatitis occasionally becomes generalized by secondary ‘autosensitization’ spread. Activation by ultraviolet (UV) radiation of a topical agent, e.g. UV sunscreen filters or previously some perfumes, produces a photocontact reaction in sun-exposed sites (p. 46).

Table 2 The sources of common allergens

Differential diagnosis

Contact dermatitis of the hands needs to be differentiated from endogenous eczema, latex contact urticaria (p. 124), psoriasis and fungal infection. Acute contact dermatitis of the face may resemble angioedema or erysipelas.

Management

The management of contact dermatitis is not always easy because of the many and often overlapping factors that can be involved in any one case. The identification of any offending allergen or irritant is the overriding objective. Patch testing (p. 126) helps to identify any allergens involved and is particularly useful in dermatitis of the face, hands and feet. The exclusion of an offending allergen from the environment is desirable and, if this can be achieved, the dermatitis may clear.

However, it is difficult to eliminate fully all contact with ubiquitous allergens such as fragrance or colophonium. Similarly, irritants are often impossible to exclude. Some contact with irritants may be inevitable owing to the nature of certain jobs, but occupational hygiene can often be improved. Unnecessary contact with irritants should be limited, protective clothing worn (notably nitrile gloves) and adequate washing and drying facilities provided. Barrier creams are seldom the answer, although they do encourage personal skin care. Topical steroids (moderately potent or potent) help in contact dermatitis, but avoidance measures should predominate.