Eczema
Alternative Names
Infantile eczema; Atopic dermatitis; Dermatitis - atopicSymptoms
- Blisters with oozing and crusting
- Dry, leathery skin areas
- Ear discharge or bleeding
- Intense itching
- Rash
- In children younger than age 2, skin lesions begin on the cheeks, elbows, or knees
- In adults, the rash is more commonly seen on the inside of the knees and elbows
- Raw areas of the skin from scratching
- Skin coloring changes -- more or less coloring than the normal skin tone (See: Skin bnormally dark or light)
- Skin redness or inflammation around the blisters
Exams and Tests
Diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin and on personal and family history. The health care provider should examine the lesions to rule out other possible causes. A skin lesion biopsy may be performed, but is not always required to make the diagnosis.
References
Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:41.
Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004:2458-2460.
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