Eczema

Question 1

What is eczema?

Answer 1

Skin conditions caused by dry, irritated skin.

Question 2

What are prognostic markers of severe eczema?

Answer 2

Onset age 3-6 months
Severe disease in childhood
Associated with asthma or hay fever
Small family size
High IgE serum levels

Question 3

What are the management options for eczema?

Answer 3

Emollients
Topical steroids
UV radiation
Immunosuppresants: Ciclosporin, antihistamines and azathioprine

Question 4

What is a MILD topical steroid for the treatment of eczema?

Answer 4

Hydrocortisone 0.5-2.5%

Question 5

What is a MODERATE topical steroid for the treatment of eczema?

Answer 5

Betamethasone valerate (Benovate) 0.025%

Clobetasone butyrate (Eumovate) 0.05%

Question 6

What is a POTENT topical steroid for the treatment of eczema?

Answer 6

Fluticasone propionate (Cutivate) 0.05%

Betamethasone valerate (Benovate) 0.1%

Question 7

What is a VERY POTENT topical steroid for the treatment of eczema?

Answer 7

Clobetasol propionate (Dermovate) 0.05%

Question 8

What is the finger tip rule?

Answer 8

1 finger tip unit (FTU) = 0.5g sufficient to treat a skin area about twice that of the flat of an adult hand

(Apply for 2 weeks)