The difference between urticaria and eczema
Urticaria and eczema are both skin conditions, but they have different symptoms and treatments. In daily life, we tend to confuse the two. Therefore, this article will introduce the differences between the two in terms of skin lesion manifestations, causes, classification, treatment methods, etc.
Differences in manifestations of skin lesions
Urticaria appears as papules and plaques on the skin, which are usually large, irregular in shape, with clear borders, pale red or bright red, and depressions can be seen when pressed. Papules last for a short time and usually subside within a few hours to a few days, but they can reappear in different locations. Urticaria is usually a specific skin disease that occurs in people with allergic constitution. The mechanism is that allergens interact with cytokines of the immune system, causing blood vessels to dilate, tissue fluid to extravasate, and skin allergic reactions to occur.
The skin lesions of eczema appear as redness, swelling, exudation, mostly blisters or scabs, and severe itching. It is characterized by a symmetrical distribution of lesions, with skin converging areas, tortuous areas and the head being the most common locations. The damage range is large, and repeated chronic inflammation can easily lead to scars and pigment disorders.
Differences in causes
The cause of urticaria is allergies, which may be caused by abnormal reactions of the immune system caused by food, drugs, bacterial infections, weather changes or viral infections, etc., which stimulate the capillaries, dilate the blood vessels, increase the permeability, and congest the cells and nerve fibers around the blood vessels, causing urticaria. measles. Urticaria may also be caused by seasonal changes, ultraviolet exposure, colds, lack of sleep and other factors.
The onset of eczema is related to internal factors, such as autoimmune reactions caused by changes in the immune system, genetic factors, endocrine abnormalities, etc., as well as external factors: such as irritation, infection, climate, food, etc. The skin barrier of patients with eczema is damaged, resulting in abnormal keratin metabolism, which interacts with environmental stimuli (such as temperature changes, humidity changes, detergent stimulation, etc.) to easily produce inflammation, coupled with skin microecological imbalance, forming a vicious cycle.
Classification differences
Urticaria can be divided into three types: acute, chronic and physical. Acute urticaria is a disease with sudden onset and short duration. Chronic urticaria lasts for a long time, and the rash constantly disappears and reappears. Physical urticaria is an allergic reaction that occurs under special circumstances, such as urticaria when the body is stimulated by high temperature, low temperature, sunlight, etc.
Eczema is also divided into many types internationally, such as atopic eczema, contact eczema, allergic eczema and fungal eczema.
Differences in treatment methods
The treatment of urticaria is mainly to relieve itching, and antihistamines, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, etc. can be used. For those with severe symptoms, anti-IgE treatment can be performed.
The treatment of eczema requires comprehensive consideration, and comprehensive treatment can achieve better therapeutic effects. Including topical hormones and other anti-inflammatory ointments, oral anti-allergy drugs, hydrating prednisone, phototherapy, calcium regulators, etc.
Summary
Urticaria and eczema are two skin diseases. Although the causes may overlap, the course and characteristics of the two diseases are different., treatment methods and other aspects are still different. Therefore, we usually need to understand the two based on skin lesion manifestations, causes, classification, treatment methods, etc., in order to facilitate more accurate diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, for the treatment of both skin diseases, we should have a comprehensive consideration and treatment plan for a speedy recovery.
