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

A number of things should be ascertained when diagnosing eczema. A thorough history taking must be done to elicit family history, dietary habits, lifestyle habits, and allergies. If the patient is positive for any of these, this disease can be detected through its clinical manifestations.

The following should be elicited from a patient whenever considering eczema as the primary diagnosis:

Chronicity and age are factors that determine the presentation of eczematous lesions.
Chronicity
- Acute lesions typically manifest as erythematous papules and vesicles.
- Chronic lesions present with lichenification and hyperpigmentation.
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. ^[1]