Eczema

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    Acute eczema: erythematous plaque, pruritic, vesicular, oozing, with poorly demarcated and crumbly borders.

    Chronic eczema: erythematous plaque, scaly, dry, poorly demarcated and pruritic.

    Look for a cause (contact allergic dermatitis, fungal or bacterial infection with a distant focus, malnutrition) and ask about family history.

    Treatment

    • Clean with soap and water 2 times daily.
    • Then:
      • for acute eczema: calamine lotion, one application 2 times daily 
      • for chronic eczema: zinc oxide ointment, one application 2 times daily
    • Look for and treat any pre-existing condition (scabies, lice etc.).
    • For patients with secondary infections: treat as impetigo.
    • For patients with intense pruritus, antihistamines for a few days (see Urticaria).