Eczema/Dermatitis

Question 1

What are 4 symptoms of eczema/dermatitis?

Answer 1

1. Red, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin
2. Dry, scaly, painful cracks in the skin
3. Known cause (irritant and allergic)
4. Poorly demarcated

Question 2

Does eczema/dermatitis require a counselling room?

Answer 2

No

Question 3

What are 5 red flags for referral with eczema/dermatitis?

Answer 3

1. Secondary bacterial infections
2. Patch testing for allergens
3. Treatment of warts and molluscum contagiosum is difficult in eczema
4. Herpes simplex
5. Fungal infection

Question 4

Does eczema/dermatitis have a PSA self-care card?

Answer 4

Yes (Eczema)

Question 5

What is the preferred treatment combination for eczema/dermatitis?

Answer 5

QV Cream/QV Baby (Moisturising Aqueous Cream) with Dermaid® Cream (Hydrocortisone 1%)

Question 6

What are the directions for QV Cream/QV Baby (Moisturising Aqueous Cream) in eczema/dermatitis?

Answer 6

Adult and Children over 2 years: Apply regularly, at least 2 times daily to rehydrate the skin.

Question 7

What are the directions for Dermaid® Cream (Hydrocortisone 1%) in eczema/dermatitis?

Answer 7

Adult and children over 2 years: Apply to the affected areas 1 to 2 times daily as required for up to 7 days. DO NOT apply to broken skin.

Question 8

What is 1 non-preferred option for eczema/dermatitis and why?

Answer 8

1. Eumovate Cream (Clobetasone 0.05%): overly potent, can’t be used under 12 years.

Question 9

Is QV Cream/QV Baby (Moisturising Aqueous Cream) safe in pregnancy?

Answer 9

Yes

Question 10

Is QV Cream/QV Baby (Moisturising Aqueous Cream) safe in breastfeeding?

Answer 10

Yes

Question 11

What is the age range for QV Cream/QV Baby (Moisturising Aqueous Cream)?

Answer 11

Safe in all ages

Question 12

Is Dermaid® Cream (Hydrocortisone 1%) safe in pregnancy?

Answer 12

Yes

Question 13

Is Dermaid® Cream (Hydrocortisone 1%) safe in breastfeeding?

Answer 13

Yes

Question 14

What is the age range for Dermaid® Cream (Hydrocortisone 1%)?

Answer 14

Safe in children over 2

Question 15

What are 9 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for eczema/dermatitis?

Answer 15

1. Avoid triggers, such as hot weather, allergens, irritants, etc.
2. Bathe with lukewarm water
3. Use a soap-free + pH balanced body wash (QV Gentle Wash)
4. When toweling dry the body, pat dry instead of rubbing
5. Moisturise skin at least twice daily
6. Wear soft materials, for example, cotton and avoid scratchy materials,
7. for example, wool, polyester, acrylic
8. Wear protective gloves when handling chemicals or irritants
9. When using a new fragrance, cosmetic, or cream, test it on a small area of your skin first

Question 16

What are 3 factors suggestive of allergic dermatitis in the differential diagnosis of skin conditions?

Answer 16

1. Related to exposure to allergens (for example, pollen, nickel)
2. Intense itch
3. Delayed reaction to allergen - may take 2 to 3 days to appear.

Question 17

What are 2 factors suggestive of irritant dermatitis in the differential diagnosis of skin conditions?

Answer 17

1. Related to exposure to irritants for example, soaps, chemicals etc.
2. More painful than itchy.

Question 18

What are 4 factors suggestive of atopic dermatitis (eczema) in the differential diagnosis of skin conditions?

Answer 18

1. Most commonly develops in the first year of life.
2. Result of genetic and environmental factors.
3. Chronic inflammatory skin disease - cannot cure
4. Unknown cause, however, risk factors include high socio-economic status, urban living environment and family history.

Question 19

What are 3 practice points to remember when treating atopic dermatitis (eczema)?

Answer 19

1. Allow sufficient time for absorption between application of a topical corticosteroid and a moisturiser.
2. It is better to use a potent corticosteroid short term, thana weak corticosteroid long term
3. For best results apply creams and lotions to damp or wet skin and ointments and oils to dry skin.