Diagnosing eczema
New Zealand Dermatalogical Society Incorporated. Published online at: http://www.dermnetnz.org
Atopic eczema usually presents as a pruritic (itchy), erythematous (red) rash, which may be wet and weepy or dry, scaly and cracked. In cases of acute eczema, there may also be oedema, papules and vesicles. In chronic eczema, skin may be lichenified (thickened) as the result of long-term itching and scratching.
Eczema can be diagnosed as an itchy skin condition with three or more of the following1,3:
- Visible flexural dermatitis involving the skin creases, such as the bends of the elbows or behind the knees (or visible dermatitis on the cheeks and/or extensor surfaces in children aged 18 months or under)
- Personal history of flexural dermatitis (or dermatitis on the cheeks and/or extensor surfaces in children aged 18 months or under)
- Personal history of dry skin in the last 12 months
- Personal history of asthma or allergic rhinitis (or history of atopic disease in a first-degree relative of children aged under 4 years)
- Onset of signs and symptoms under the age of 2 years (this criterion should not be used in children aged under 4 years)
References:
- 1.Primary Care Dermatology Society & British Association of Dermatologists (2007) Guidelines for the management of atopic eczema. (PCDSBAD-Eczema.pdf Accessed November 2007)
- 3.NICE (2007) Atopic eczema in children. Management of atopic eczema in children from birth up to the age of 12 years. Clinical Guideline 57, London, December 2007