On this page
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).