Eczema

Question 1

What is eczema also known as?

Answer 1

Dermatitis

Question 2

What is eczema?

Answer 2

A disease that causes inflammation of the skin

Question 3

What are the characteristics of eczema?

Answer 3

Itchy, red skin and rash

Question 4

What factors are thought to play a role in the development of eczema?

Answer 4

• Genetic susceptibility
• Impaired epidermal barrier function
• Immune dysregulation

Question 5

What can act as triggers for flare ups of eczema?

Answer 5

• Dry skin
• Irritants
• Infection
• Sweating/heat
• Emotional stress
• Allergies

Question 6

What are the risk factors for eczema?

Answer 6

• Unusually clean environment
• Coeliac disease
• Family history

Question 7

What is the main symptom of eczema?

Answer 7

Pruritis

Question 8

What is the effect of the pruritis in eczema?

Answer 8

Causes scratching and exacerbation of the rash

Question 9

What can happen to the excoriated areas in eczema?

Answer 9

They can become erythematous, weepy and crusted

Question 10

Where does eczema commonly affect in infants?

Answer 10

• Cheeks
• Elbows
• Knees

Question 11

Where does eczema commonly affect in children?

Answer 11

• Flexural areas
• Wrists
• Ankles

Question 12

Where does eczema commonly affect in adolescents?

Answer 12

• Flexures
• Head and neck
• Nipples
• Palms
• Soles

Question 13

Does eczema require investigation?

Answer 13

No

Question 14

What are the differentials for eczema?

Answer 14

• Scabies
• Psoriasis
• Dermatitis herpetiformis

Question 15

What are the conservative management measures?

Answer 15

• Soap avoidance
• Limiting baths and showers to 5-10 minutes
• Moisturise after washing
• Avoid over-heating
• Keep finger nails short

Question 16

What is the main treatment for eczema flares?

Answer 16

Topical Corticosteroids

Question 17

What corticosteroid regime should be used for an eczema flare?

Answer 17

Twice a day until clear then taper for alternate days for 1 weeks then twice weekly before stopping

Question 18

What are the potential complications of eczema?

Answer 18

• Sleep disturbance
• Emotional upset
• Family dysfunction
• Eczema herpeticum
• Staphylococcus aureus infection
• Growth delay
• Atopic cataracts