Toxic contact eczema

Classification according to ICD-10
L24	Toxic contact dermatitis Toxic contact eczema
ICD-10 online (WHO version 2019)

In the medicine describing toxic contact eczema (Syn. Toxic contact dermatitis , irritant contact dermatitis - for the chronic form also cumulatively subtoxisches contact dermatitis ) direct damage to the skin due to an external cause. It typically manifests itself in acute or chronic eczematous changes that result from direct and intensive contact of the skin with a substance that can be potentially toxic . The areas of skin that come into direct contact with the substance, mostly hands and forearms, are therefore affected.

root cause

Toxic contact eczema is the result of external noxa ( e.g. acids, soaps, alkalis or oils). An awareness in terms of allergy does not matter, is the direct trigger intrinsic effect of the particular substance. A distinction is made between “obligatory toxic” substances, which act as a direct trigger for every person, and “slightly toxic” substances, which only cause a reaction after a long period of time after repeated exposure and disruption of the skin barrier . A basic distinction is therefore made between two forms of toxic contact eczema:

Contact eczema on the foot

1. The acute toxic contact eczema by brief skin contact with a toxic substance (commonly alkalis or acids released) and is associated with tissue damage associated. It is to be seen as a consequence of the accident.
2. The chronically toxic contact eczema arises from the recurring contact of the skin with substances that have only low toxicity and therefore do not lead to the acute form. An example is housewife eczema.

Symptoms and course

The inflammatory reaction of the skin is usually sharply limited to the skin areas that come into contact with the triggering substance. All manifestations such as redness, tears, nodules, hyperkeratosis and blistering can occur there. These can burst, ooze and crust. The affected areas of the skin burn, later a discreet itching may occur. Failure or inadequate treatment can complicate plug allergies and superinfections .

therapy

The triggering substance should be avoided completely. Protective gloves may have to be worn. If there is a possibility of work-related hand eczema, the dermatologist can initiate the dermatologist's procedure in consultation with the patient. Symptomatically, the affected skin can be cared for with oily ointments or, for a short time, with cortisone-containing ointments. In the case of chronic damage, it can take months or years for the skin's physiological protective mechanisms to regenerate. In severe cases, the symptomatic administration of antihistamines and corticoids is recommended.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b c d e} S. Furter et al.: Dermatology crash course. Urban & Fischer-Verlag, 2007, ISBN 978-3-437-42141-9 , p. 109, (online)
2. ↑ ^{a b} J. Saloga: Allergology handbook: Basics and clinical practice. Schattauer Verlag, 2006, ISBN 3-7945-1972-8 , p. 510, (online)
3. ↑ http://www.dha-handekzem.de/diagnostik.html Information offered by the non-profit German Skin and Allergy Aid eV

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !