Eczema history and symptoms

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Edzel Lorraine Co, D.M.D., M.D.

Overview

Family history, dietary habits, lifestyle habits, and allergies should be elicited whenever considering eczema as the primary diagnosis. This is important because eczema can be based on the patient's history and evolution and distribution of the skin lesion.

History

If eczema is suspected, the following should be elicited:

• Lifestyle habits
• Family history
• Dietary habits
• Allergic tendencies
• Previous medical history
• Any chemical or material exposure at home or workplace

Symptoms

• Presentation of eczematous lesions depende on the chronicity of the disease and age of the patient.
• Chronicity
  • Acute lesions typically manifest as erythematous papules and vesicles.
  • Chronic lesions are usually lichenified and hyperpigmented.
• Age
  • Infants and children - lesions are found on the neck, head, cheeks, scalp, front of the arms and legs.
  • Adolescents and adults - lesions are distributed mainly on elbow creases, lateral portion of the neck, and back of the knees.