Eczema (atopic dermatitis) Quiz

True. Eczema usually starts in the first few years of life. Dermatitis that starts in adulthood is more likely to be contact reactions to chemicals in medicines, jewelry or make-up.

False. Eczema normally affects areas that are exposed. In young babies it commonly affects the face. In children it commonly affects the wrists, ankles, fronts of the elbows and backs of the knees. In adults eczema is often most troublesome on the hands. Eczema rarely affects the groin, and other causes should be considered if rash affects this area of the body.

True. Leaky skin, particularly in early childhood, is now thought to allow irritants through and cause the itch and redness.

True. If neither of the child’s parents have eczema then the risk is one in 10. If one parent is affected the risk is 50% and it increases to 70% if both parents have a history of suffering from eczema. In some patients with ancestors from the United States, Northern Europe and the Far East, eczema is inherited because of a faulty skin gene called filaggrin.

False. These allergy tests may help in the diagnosis of allergies where there is an immediate reaction – occurring within a few minutes to an hour of contact. However, they are more likely than not to produce false results if used in the diagnosis of what may be causing eczema flares.

False. Foods rarely cause eczema flares in adults. They may cause flares in young infants and children. The most common foods triggering eczema in children are dairy products, soy products, wheat and eggs. Many children will outgrow these food allergies as they get older. Foods should not be taken out of a child’s diet without first obtaining advice from a healthcare professional. Furthermore, healthcare professionals can also provide advice as to when these foods might be reintroduced back into the child’s diet.

True. Moisturizers, particularly oil-based moisturizers, help to provide a better barrier and also keep the skin moist. Creams are less effective and the chemicals in some creams may cause irritation. The choice of moisturizer is best left to the patient and their family, as personal preference is the best way of ensuring that the patient is happy with the medicine and uses it regularly.

False. Topical steroids come in different strengths. One percent hydrocortisone is a mild potency steroid, which can be used regularly twice a day on inflamed skin without a significant risk of skin thinning or other side effects. More potent steroids should be used for up to a week or two unless otherwise directed by your healthcare professional. Potent steroids should not be applied to the face and neck because of the risk of skin damage in these more delicate areas of the body.

False. Although antihistamines may be helpful for allergic reactions associated with hives and superficial swellings, standard antihistamines—often also used in the treatment of hay fever—do not reduce the itch in patients with eczema.

False. Crusty, oozing painful skin suggests that there is a bacterial infection that is now causing the inflammation. This may have been caused by the scratching and damage to the skin allowing bacteria to take hold. It is not because the patient has suddenly become immune to the eczema treatment. See your doctor for re-evaluation as antibiotics may be required to treat the infection and bring the eczema back under control.