Eczema

Question 1

What are the common examination findings?

Answer 1

1) Itchy scaly rash can be;

• Atopic - from within
• Contact - under something eg a watch strap

2)

Dry/Red/Cracked skin on flexor surfaces of adolescents and face and extensors of infants

3)

Venous eczema on legs

Question 2

What is the rash like?

Answer 2

• Itcy
• Red
• Dry
• Scaly

Question 3

What are the investigations?

Answer 3

To finish the exam i would like to - take a history and expose the whole body for rashes -

Bloods - FBC, ESR (inflammation), allergy testing eg skin patch testing or RAST

Question 4

What are the key investigation findings?

Answer 4

If allergic i.e contact dermatitis then it will be positive on testing

Question 5

What is the treatment?

Answer 5

Conservative - Explain what it is, how to avoid triggers, to try and avoid itching

Keep cool, avoid wool

Medical - Steroids and emolients to keep barrier function

Soap substitites

Phototherapy if it gets serious

Anti histamines

Question 6

What are some causes of contact dermatitis?

Answer 6

Cosmetics

Metals eg nickel

Household cleaning products eg gloves

Footwear

Topical medicines