Autosensitization dermatitis is an eczema-like dermatitis caused by the patient's allergic reaction to certain substances produced internally or by their own skin tissues.

bubble_chart Etiology

The exact cause of this disease is not yet fully understood. Prior to onset, there is often an eczema-like lesion on a certain area of the skin. Due to excessive scratching, external medication irritation, or concurrent purulent infection, the original lesion worsens, becoming red and swollen. Parallel erosions on the skin with significantly increased exudation, combined with improper management and unclean wounds, lead to the formation of a unique autoantigen from tissue breakdown products and bacterial byproducts. This antigen, once absorbed, triggers sensitization, resulting in systemic dissemination.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

The disease often suddenly manifests as numerous or clustered erythema, papules, papulovesicles, and small blisters, which may merge, spread widely, or distribute symmetrically. Sometimes, there may be roseola-like erythema, and papulovesicles or blisters arranged in parallel linear patterns along scratch marks can be observed, accompanied by intense cutaneous pruritus. It typically takes about 7 to 10 days from the initial skin lesions to widespread systemic involvement.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

This disease has a typical history of primary active eczematous lesions, which later spread throughout the body, presenting as symmetrical papules, papulovesicles, and vesicles. The diagnosis can be based on significant symptom improvement after treating the primary lesions and secondary infections, reducing chemical irritation and contact allergens, or using corticosteroid preparations.

Based on the inflammation of the rash, presence of ulcers, and whether there is purulent infection, apply wet compresses and topical zinc oxide oil. Administer oral antibiotics and, if necessary, a small dose of corticosteroids to quickly control symptoms. However, sometimes after the acute symptoms subside, there may be a period of recurrent episodes resembling subacute eczema, for which symptomatic treatment can be provided.