Eczema (Dermatitis)
Eczema (dermatitis) is the name of a group of diseases with very different causes and different characteristics. While the lesions in eczema are sometimes watery, red and itchy; Sometimes it can be hard, dandruff, and crusty. Patients may describe burning, stinging, or itching.
Eczema subtypes:
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Contact dermatitis (irritant or allergic)
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Atopic dermatitis
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Diaper dermatitis
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Stasis dermatitis
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Nummular dermatitis
History and physical examination are very important in determining eczema subtypes. If contact dermatitis is suspected, the gold standard test is the patch test. In cases where contact dermatitis is suspected, a patch test is performed to determine which substance the patient is sensitive to, then contact with that substance is stopped and treatment with appropriate medications is started.