Foot
Eczema
INTRODUCTION
Eczema
affects one in five adults in the United Kingdom and
up to one fifth of children. The term eczema is not
a blanket term that can be used for all forms of eczema
as their as many types of eczema. In a mild form the
skin appears dry, and itchy. In sever forms, the skin
may bleed. The cause of eczema depends on the clinical
diagnosis of the type of eczema. It is imperative that
the type of eczema is diagnosed before an effective
treatment plan can be implemented.
FORMS
OF ECZEMA
Listed
below are the five main types of eczema that affect
the feet and legs.
Atopic
Eczema
This
is the most common form of eczema. The skin often appears
extremely dry, red and inflamed. The patient may also
complain of severe itchiness. Scratching the skin may
cause the skin to split, leaving it susceptible to infection.
If the eczema is infected, the skin may crack and weep.
Atopic eczema is linked with hereditary factors, asthma
and hayfever. Patients may also have a sensitive reaction
to certain types of allergens in the environment, which
may lead to the occurrence of atopic eczema. Treatments
include different types of emollients and steroids to
reduce the inflammation.
Discoid
Eczema
This
form of eczema commonly appears in adults and can affect
the legs and the feet. Discoid eczema appears as small
round shaped lesions that can be very itchy and may
weep fluid. Treatments include different types of emollients
and steroids to reduce the inflammation.
Irritant
Contact Dermatitis
This
form of eczema is caused by frequent contact with everyday
substances such as soaps and shower gels. A patient
may experience symptoms similar to that of atopic eczema.
This condition can be prevented through avoiding the
irritant.
Allergic
Contact Dermatitis
This
condition is very similar to irritant contact dermatitis.
Red, itchy and inflamed lesions may occur due to a material
such as cotton, leather or wool. Certain types of washing
up powders and fabric softeners may also lead to an
attack of allergic contact dermatitis.
Varicose
Eczema
Patients
who suffer from varicose veins are susceptible to varicose
eczema. This condition produces speckled, itchy and
inflamed lesions. These commonly affect the ankle region.
If severe varicose eczema occurs, it may lead to the
formation of an ulcer. Treatments include different
types of emollients and steroids to reduce the inflammation.
TREATMENT
Even
though we have reached the millennium, there is still
no cure for eczema. However, symptoms can be controlled
to minimize discomfort and pain. Many children will
find that their eczema has cleared by the time they
reach their mid teens.
An
effective skin care regime is essential in order to
control all forms of eczema. The skin care regime will
be catered around a specific patient’s need.
The
forms of treatment are: -
Emollients
The
term emollient applies to creams, lotions, gels and
soap substitutes. Emollients will enable the skin to
become less dry, itchy and more comfortable. There is
a wide range of emollients available on the market.
Trial and error may be necessary to ascertain which
emollient is best for you. Your chiropodist and your
general practitioner may recommend certain types of
emollients.
Topical
Steroids
In
cases when the eczema is inflamed, steroids may be needed.
Hydrocortisone’s are often prescribed by general practitioners,
as they are effective in reducing inflammation associated
with eczema. There are other steroid creams and gels
that have varying strengths. However, caution must be
taken as side effects can occur with frequent and long-term
use of steroids.
Oral
steroids
In
severe cases, oral steroids may be necessary. Your General
Practitioner will prescribe them if your symptoms can
not be controlled via emollients and topical steroids.
Other
treatments
- Laser
therapy can be used in severe cases.
- Alternative
therapies such as Chinese herbal medicine may be of
benefit.
Tips
on living with eczema
- Ensure
that you have the correct blend of emollients and
topical steroids.
- Do
not borrow somebody else’s creams, as they may be
too strong for you.
- Cotton
clothes and bedding will allow the skin to cool.
- Synthetic
fibers and wool can irritate the skin, caution should
be taken.
- The
use of non-biological washing up powders and certain
types of fabric softeners may lead to a severe attack,
caution should be taken.
What
your podiatrist will do
- Recommend
a cream or topical steroid that will be suitable for
your skin.
- Treat
any open cuts or weeping lesions you may have as a
result of your eczema.
- In
the case of varicose eczema and the associated complication
of varicose ulcers, the chiropodist will apply appropriate
dressings to the lesions.
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