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.

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

• 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.