Eczema.com

Most eczema tends to be localized—it affects the hands, the feet, maybe the scalp or face, and sometimes areas of the abdomen. However, some conditions of eczema spread across vast areas of the body. This condition, and the process of its spread, is known as autoeczematization. It is also known as autosensitization dermatitis or id reaction. Autoeczematization is caused by the presence of other infections or occurrences of eczema elsewhere on the body.

Symptoms

Just as any form of eczema exhibits a variety of symptoms—blisters, rashes, itching, pustules, etc.—autoeczematization is the same way. The symptoms affect nearly any area of the body, but often start on the forearms and legs. The head and extremities are usually last to be infected by autoeczematization.

Causes

One of the most identifiable aspects of autoeczematization is its cause. In each case, it comes from the skin’s reaction to the infection of a virus, fungi, bacteria, or parasites. When the body is infected like that, the skin reacts in such a way that its immune properties are lowered. In addition, the skin’s ability to withstand disease and irritation is also lowered, allowing the onset of similar symptoms in other areas of the skin. The spread of a secondary infectious antigen and harmful cytokines produces the symptoms of autoeczematization.

Treatment

In order to treat autoeczematization, one must also treat the original cause—the fungal, bacterial, or parasitic infection that produced the condition in the first place. Treatment of the widespread eczema is also recommended, using typical eczema medications such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.