Contact eczema Flashcards
What causes contact eczema?
Contact eczema is caused by contact of the skin with an irritant or an allergen.
What is “Vaseline dermatitis,” and who is commonly affected by it?
“Vaseline dermatitis” is caused by the use of Vaseline and presents with papules and pustules on the lower legs, often affecting schoolgirls.
How does acute allergic contact eczema present itself?
Acute allergic contact eczema presents with redness, small or large blisters that burst to form oozing red erosive areas, and finally crusting and scaling.
What is photo-allergic contact eczema, and how is it caused?
Photo-allergic contact eczema is an allergic reaction set off by exposure to sunlight. It can be caused by soaps containing photo-allergens.
What are some examples of contact allergens?
Contact allergens can include occupational (dyes, preservatives, rubber, bleach), environmental (plants, spices), medical (betadine, lanolin), cosmetic (perfumes, nail polish), and clothing or jewelry (chromate, nickel).
What characterizes chronic allergic contact eczema?
Chronic allergic contact eczema is characterized by a symmetrical distribution, blurred borders, dry and scaly skin, lichenification, and often cracks.
How should acute contact eczema be managed?
Use wet dressings with saline or potassium permanganate solution twice daily, calamine lotion or phenol-zinc lotion for itch, a topical steroid cream like hydrocortisone 1% twice daily when dry, and antihistamines such as promethazine 25 mg nightly for 5 days.
hat treatments are recommended for chronic contact eczema?
Use hydrocortisone 1% ointment or a stronger topical steroid if necessary, coal tar ointment for itch nightly, and aqueous cream or emulsifying ointment.
How should lichenified skin in chronic contact eczema be treated?
Apply urea 10% ointment or salicylic acid 2-5% ointment twice daily to lichenified skin.
