Managing eczema and dermatitis

Avoiding allergic contact dermatitis in patients with venous leg ulcers

The management of venous leg ulcers is frequently problematic, usually as a result of the patient's existing co-morbidities, but often because of problems in skin management, such as hyperkeratosis or skin sensitization and resulting contact dermatitis. Good leg ulcer management practice includes skin care, protection from excessive exudate and from potential sensitisers. This article explores how the practitioner can recognize allergic contact dermatitis in a patient with a venous leg ulcer and avoid the use of avoid potential skin sensitizers during management.

Cumulative prevalence of atopic eczema and related skin symptoms in a well-baby clinic: a retrospective cohort study

The aim of the study was to assess the frequency and treatment policy of atopic eczema (AE) and related skin symptoms including rash, redness, dryness and itch in 0- to 5-year-old children. Health records of 320 children born in 1994 were systematically studied. The main results were that 77% of children suffered from skin symptoms during their first 5 years while the cumulative prevalence of AE was 16%, and 11% of children with skin symptoms were referred to a specialist. AE and related skin symptoms were common in the first 5 years of life, and were mostly temporary and responsive to topical treatment. Well-baby clinics play a key role in the treatment of skin-symptomatic children.