All about treating dry eczema

Eczema is classified as an inflammatory skin disease. It can occur in both acute and chronic forms and has a tendency to recur. In the past, eczema was considered a type of dermatitis, but since the 20th century it has been recognized as a distinct condition. Eczema is quite common — about 20 out of every 100 patients who visit a dermatologist are diagnosed with this condition. Like atopic dermatitis, it often appears early in childhood.

One form of this disease is asteatotic (dry) eczema. This type develops slowly, often has seasonal patterns, and can appear on any part of the body. It tends to develop independently of gender or age.

Symptoms of Asteatotic Eczema

Asteatotic eczema manifests individually depending on the type, stage, and specific characteristics of the patient. However, there is a general clinical picture that includes:

• Redness and inflammation of small areas of skin;
• Dry rash;
• Persistent intense itching;
• Fissures (cracks) at the site of inflammation;
• Elevated body temperature;
• Formation of crusts.

When the disease progresses into its chronic phase, affected areas become less elastic, with a clearly visible skin pattern. Deep, painful cracks may also develop.

Distinctive Features of Dry Eczema

Since eczema comes in many different forms, it's important to distinguish asteatotic eczema from other types. Typically, skin lesions caused by eczema appear as inflamed, moist, swollen patches. These may merge together to form fluid-filled blisters. Dry eczema, on the other hand, causes excessive drying of the skin. Further damage results from this dryness.

Causes of Asteatotic Eczema

The causes that trigger eczema are divided into two categories:

• Internal factors – usually associated with undiagnosed dysfunction of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, genetic predisposition, or psychosomatic influences. Prolonged nervous tension always contributes to worsening skin conditions to some degree;
• External factors – either contact-related (direct exposure to chemicals on the skin) or non-contact (prolonged exposure to dry air). External triggers are more common because they are often sudden and unpredictable.

Diagnosis

Dry eczema has a distinctive clinical appearance, making it possible to diagnose accurately during the initial examination. The challenge lies in identifying the exact type, as some forms of eczema are very similar. At the same time, treatment for asteatotic eczema differs significantly from treatment for other types of eczema.

Treatment of Dry Eczema at the Sanatorium

It’s crucial to begin treating eczema in a timely manner, as neglected cases can cause significant discomfort and disrupt the function of various organs. To help patients overcome symptoms of dry eczema as quickly as possible, doctors at the “Berezoviy Gai” sanatorium use specialized methods, including:

• Application of ointments tailored to individual needs;
• Ultratone therapy;
• Gentle medication;
• Interferential current therapy;
• Disinfection using natural, mild soap;
• Dietary adjustments;
• Dry carbonic acid baths;
• Health-promoting walks in fresh air.