|
Asteatotic eczema
Form of eczema resulting from exsiccation of the skin due to factors like aging, atopy, dry climate, overexposure to water and detergents and malnutrition. Men are slightly more often affected than women
Clinical picture: The skin is dry and dull, with fine scaling. In more advanced stages, a pattern of superficial cracks and fissures of the horny layer presents, possibly accompanied by erythema, oozing and crusting. Mild xerosis is asymptomatic, whereas itching and stinging may be present in more pronounced lesions.
Distribution: Typically the shins are involved, but lesions may also occur on the arms, thighs and the trunk.
Diagnosis: The diagnosis is based on the patient’s history, the clinical picture and on the exclusion of other diseases.
Differential diagnoses: Stasis dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, nummular eczema and scabies have to be distinguished from asteatotic eczema.
|
