eczema /ec·ze·ma/ (ek´zĕ-mah) a pruritic papulovesicular dermatitis characterized early by erythema, edema associated with a serous exudate in the epidermis and an inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis, oozing and vesiculation, and crusting and scaling; and later by lichenification, thickening, signs of excoriations, and altered pigmentation.eczem´atous
eczema herpeticum,
eczema [ek´zĕ-mah]
asteatotic eczema xerotic e.
eczema herpe´ticum Kaposi's varicelliform eruption due to infection with herpes simplex virus superimposed on a preexisting skin condition.
nummular eczema that in which the patches are coin shaped; it may be a form of neurodermatitis.
xerotic eczema erythema, dry scaling, fine cracking, and pruritus of the skin, occurring chiefly during the winter when low humidity in heated rooms causes excessive water loss from the stratum corneum.
eczema her·pet·i·cum (h r-p t  -km)n. Kaposi's varicelliform eruption. |
eczema herpeticum,
a generalized vesiculopustular rash caused by herpes simplex virus or vaccinia virus infection of a preexisting rash such as atopic dermatitis. Also called Kaposi's varicelliform eruption.
eczema [ek´zĕ-mah]
1. any superficial inflammatory process involving primarily the epidermis, marked early by redness, itching, minute papules and vesicles, weeping, oozing, and crusting, and later by scaling, lichenification, and often pigmentation.
2. atopic dermatitis.
Eczema is a common allergic reaction in children but it also occurs in adults, usually in a more severe form. Childhood eczema often begins in infancy, the rash appearing on the face, neck, and folds of elbows and knees. It may disappear by itself when an offending food is removed from the diet, or it may become more extensive and in some instances cover the entire surface of the body. Severe eczema can be complicated by skin infections. Childhood eczema may persist for several years or return after the child is older. Persons suffering from childhood eczema may develop another allergic condition later, most often hay fever or asthma.
Eczema is a common allergic reaction in children but it also occurs in adults, usually in a more severe form. Childhood eczema often begins in infancy, the rash appearing on the face, neck, and folds of elbows and knees. It may disappear by itself when an offending food is removed from the diet, or it may become more extensive and in some instances cover the entire surface of the body. Severe eczema can be complicated by skin infections. Childhood eczema may persist for several years or return after the child is older. Persons suffering from childhood eczema may develop another allergic condition later, most often hay fever or asthma.
Cause and Treatment. Eczema is sometimes caused by an allergic sensitivity to foods such as milk, fish, or eggs. Inhalant allergens such as dust and pollens rarely cause eczema. Treatment involves the use of soothing baths, moisturizing creams, topical steroids, and oral antihistamines to alleviate itching. See also allergy.
eczema herpe´ticum disseminated herpes simplex (see kaposi's varicelliform eruption).
eczema margina´tum tinea cruris.
eczema vaccina´tum disseminated vaccinia (see kaposi's varicelliform eruption).
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