Eczema (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Eczema Overview
- Eczema Causes
- Eczema Symptoms and Signs
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Eczema Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Support Groups and Counseling
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Viewer Comments: Eczema - Effective Treatments
Exams and Tests
A medical professional can usually identify the type of eczematous dermatitis by looking at the rash and asking questions about how it appeared. Samples of scale from the rash may need to be examined microscopically to search for a fungus. Occasionally, a portion of skin may be removed (a biopsy) to be examined by a pathologist.
The three key elements in identifying atopic dermatitis are
- characteristic appearance and distribution of a chronic rash;
- severe itching;
- atopy, or a personal or family tendency toward asthma and hay fever.
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Eczema - Effective Treatments
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Dyshidrotic Eczema »
Dyshidrotic eczema is a recurrent or chronic relapsing form of vesicular palmoplantar dermatitis of unknown etiology.

