Acute Flare of Chronic Atopic Dermatitis (AKA Eczema)
A woman in her late 30’s presents with acute erythema and edema on the face, ears, neck, arms and upper chest and back. Isolated areas of the skin are weeping due to vigorous scratching caused by intense itching.
Diagnosis
Acute Atopic Dermatitis, also known as eczema.
The patient has experienced bouts of dermatitis, varying in severity and isolated regions since childhood. Patient associates acute flare ups in adulthood to excessive alcohol use and poor diet. Additionally, she mentions that the itching seems to reach its height in the late hours of the night and the intensity will even wake her from her sleep.
Treatment Protocol
The patient manages acute flares with Clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream. She will use it anywhere from 5-10 days at a time to decrease inflammation and manage intense itching. In addition to the topical steroid, the patient will take oral, OTC Boiron Histaminum Hydrochlorium 30c Homeopathic tablets.
It is worth mentioning that:
exposure to environment, to include habitat, can play a big role in the behaviors and reactions of the skin
regular habits and practices such as exercise, thus routine sweating can contribute to skin ailments too
poor hygiene methods and protocol will affect the skin
additionally, exposure to housepets (dogs and cats in particular) can exacerbate skin infections and disorders
This article was additionally published on DermNet: Erythema and itching of the upper body