Eczema of the hollow of the knee is an inflammatory, non-infectious disease that is limited to the upper layer of the skin, the so-called epidermis. A phase-like course is typical for eczema of the hollow of the knee. The skin of the knee appears reddened in the acute situation due to the inflammatory processes and itching occurs. Since it is not an infectious event, knee eczema is not contagious.
The diagnosis is in most cases a Eye diagnosis, the the Dermatologist can provide. However, it is important to study the patient's medical history to find out what type of eczema of the hollow of the knee is present. The important thing here is when the symptoms first appeared and whether they can be related to anything. You should also ask whether these skin symptoms are also present on other parts of the body. In order to prove or rule out an allergic connection, one can use one Allergy test in the form of a so-called Prick tests carry out.
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Eczema that manifests itself in the hollow of the knee always has an acute process at the beginning, which can turn into a chronic event as it progresses.
In the acute situation, the affected knee is clearly swollen and reddened and itching occurs due to the dry and extremely sensitive areas of the skin, which is further intensified by additional irritations, such as scratching the affected areas of the skin. The accumulation of water, which occurs in the course of the inflammatory process, can lead to a significant increase in the circumference of the knee, which can lead to an increasing limitation of movement of the leg. In the further course, the irritation of the skin can cause blisters which, when they open, also release a weeping substance. When these dry, scabs form on the affected skin around the back of the knee.
Read more on the topic: Swollen hollow of the knee
The transition from the acute inflammatory reaction to a chronic course can be recognized by the fact that the eczema repeatedly manifests itself in the hollow of the knee or never completely heals. In the course of this, the structure of the skin changes; it becomes harder and coarser due to the constant irritation. As a long-term consequence, scar-like changes can occur in the relevant areas. Most of the eczema that affects the back of the knee is atopic eczema.
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Treatment depends on the type of eczema. If certain triggering factors for the development of eczema can be identified, such as contact with certain creams or detergents, these should be strictly avoided. In the case of weeping blisters, creams or ointments should be used that contain a lot of water, so that the affected areas of the skin can be prevented from drying out. If the skin of the hollow of the knee is very dry and rough, fatty ointments are used. In the case of an acute inflammatory event and massive swelling of the knee, one often resorts to preparations that contain cortisone as an anti-inflammatory agent. Antihistamines are used to relieve severe itching.
Atopic eczema is also known as neurodermatitis. This is a chronic disease that typically occurs in flare-ups and is accompanied by red, inflamed and very itchy skin. The hollow of the knee is a very common localization of the rash and occurs there especially in childhood, puberty and adulthood. In addition to the hollows of the knees, the crooks of the elbows are often affected. Since the itching is often very severe, the skin in the back of the knees is scratched bloody, which delays the healing of the inflammation. Treatment of atopic eczema should definitely be done in consultation with a dermatologist.
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$config[ads_text3] not foundRead more about the topic here: Treatment of atopic dermatitis
In the case of itchy eczema in the hollow of the knee, atopic dermatitis - a chronic skin disease - should be considered, as this occurs mainly on the flexors of the arms and legs and is usually associated with severe itching. On the other hand, eczema in the hollow of the knee, especially when there is no suspicion of possible neurodermatitis, can be an allergic reaction, for example to clothing or creams.
In rare cases, itchy eczema can also be shingles on the knee. Typically, this herpes virus-induced disease occurs on the side of the chest, but can also occur in the hollow of the knee. Blisters, reddened skin and pain in the hollow of the knee then only develop on one side. Further symptoms are, for example, fever, itching and a deterioration in the general condition.
Find out more about the topic here: Course of shingles
Seborrheic eczema is a chronic, recurring skin disease that primarily affects areas of the skin that contain many sebum glands. This is the case, for example, on the head or in welding channels. There are then many reddened areas of skin that can be covered with yellowish flaking. So seborrheic eczema does not typically occur in the hollow of the knee. Therefore, there are other conditions to consider for rash in the hollow of the knee.
Eczema in the hollow of the knee can occur at any age - even in babies. In most cases, babies are atopic eczema. About 10% of children suffer from neurodermatitis. In most cases, the first appearance occurs in babies between 3 and 6 months of age. In babies, the small oozing blisters and irritation of the skin do not occur so often in the back of the knees or the folds of the arms, but rather on the extensor sides of the extremities and especially in the head area. Since the resulting bubbles and crusts look like burned milk, they are known as cradle cap. Particularly in babies, attention must be paid to additional skin infections caused by bacteria, as the immune system is not yet sufficiently developed to adequately fight against these pathogens.
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Read more on this topic at: Eczema in the baby
In small children from the age of 2 or 3, atopic eczema usually develops in the hollows of the knees and in the Flexion of the arms. The skin is red and reddish to brownish blisters form that are oozing and itchy. Many children see a decrease in symptoms from the age of 4 and further steady improvement over the course of puberty. Children with atopic eczema of the hollow of the knee will have one for their entire life dry skin and must take care of appropriate skin care. In addition, they are often prone to other atopic diseases, such as asthma or hay fever. It has been proven that there are some factors that can influence the severity of the eczema. That includes Weather, certain Nutritional components or stressful situations. Most of the patients who suffer from atopic eczema in the hollow of the knee in their childhood are free from symptoms in adulthood. Care should be taken to ensure that no further infection develops as part of acute eczema. The skin is badly damaged and irritated by the eczema, so that germs can easily penetrate and cause an additional infection.
There are numerous different causes of eczema in the hollow of the knee that can be considered as triggers.
A rough distinction is made between eczema according to the trigger and the course, acute or chronic. There are eczemas that arise as a result of external influences (exogenous eczema) and some that are caused by internal events (endogenous eczema). One can differentiate between different groups.
Atopic eczema that manifests in the hollow of the knee is one of the endogenous eczema and is popularly known as neurodermatitis. This is a skin disease that is associated with a hereditary predisposition. Due to the hereditary disposition to allergies, those affected often also suffer from other diseases of the atopic type, such as asthma or hay fever.
Eczema of the hollow of the knee, which occurs through contact with certain substances, is called contact eczema. In this context, the cause can be intensive contact with toxic substances such as chemicals or cleaning and washing agents. Contact eczema can also result from an allergic reaction after using certain creams.
$config[ads_text1] not foundAn important cause for the development of eczema in the hollow of the knee is very dry, rough and cracked skin. This occurs when the skin is washed too often or when you spend a lot of time in rooms with very dry air.
A few simple steps can be taken to prevent eczema from developing in the hollow of the knee or other parts of the body. First of all, it is important to prevent dry and chapped skin by getting Avoids irritation, Care creams with a moisturizing effect gets involved does not wash too often and too intensively and possible Avoids triggerthat can cause allergic reactions. To prevent additional infections caused by pathogens such as viruses, fungi or bacteria, it is important to avoid anything that additionally dries out the affected areas of the skin.
Various homeopathic remedies can relieve symptoms such as itching and can be used as support for eczema. Sulfur can help with itchy, dry, or oily skin. Itchy and burning skin can be treated with Arsenicum album. Atopic dermatitis sufferers can try homeopathic remedies such as Calcium carbonicum, Galphimia or Rhus toxicodendron to contain the symptoms.
You can find out more about the topic here: Homeopathic Remedies
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