Eczema And Dermatitis

Question 1

Symptoms?

Answer 1

Rash (skin discoloured and swollen)

Itchy skin

Excessive dry skin that may crack

Burning and stinging

Tender skin

Fluid filled blisters

Oozing blisters that can leave crusts and scales

Question 1

Questions to ask patients?

Answer 1

Have you previously been diagnosed with eczema or dermatitis? or previously suffered from eczema or dermatitis?

Have you been prescribed any medication in the past to help relieve symptoms?

Have you previously taken optimum topical therapy for a week? How did your skin respond to it?

Have you tried any creams or moisturisers to help relieve symptoms?

Have you noticed anything which has triggered the symptoms or triggered a further reaction?

Is it spreading anyway?
Do you frequently have infections?

Question 2

Red flags?

Answer 2

Atopic eczema is severe and has not responded to optimum topical therapy after 1 week

If they:
1) have spreading infection that is not responding to oral antibiotics

2) Are systemically unwell
3) Are at high risk of complications
4) Have infections that recur frequently.

Question 3

Treatment?

Answer 3

E45 Cream - apply 2-3 times a day on affected area

Dermol 500 lotion OR Dermol cream - apply cream to affected area, as often as required.

Loratadine (antihistamine) - boots one a day allergy relief or Lloyds pharmacy allergy relief (non-drowsy) -10ml once daily
(not for pregnant or breastfeeding patients)