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Dermatitis (Eczema)

»	What is dermatitis and why is it so important?
»	What is atopy?
»	Why is atopic dermatitis becoming more common?
»	What are the diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis?
»	What is the underlying defect in patients with atopic dermatitis?
»	In atopic dermatitis, which comes first - the itch or the rash?
»	Why does atopic dermatitis itch?
»	Why do people like to scratch an itch?
»	Does psychological stress worsen atopic dermatitis?
»	Did John Phillip Sousa write the “Atopic March?”
»	How does atopic dermatitis present at different ages?
»	What physical findings are associated with atopic dermatitis?
»	What factors provoke or exacerbate atopic dermatitis?
»	How can your atopic patients relieve their pruritic agony and discomfort?
»	What is the role of antihistamines in atopic dermatitis?
»	Describe the “two-pajamas treatment.”
»	Is “hand dermatitis” a specific entity?
»	What is pompholyx?
»	How can pompholyx be managed?
»	Describe the typical presentation of nummular eczema.
»	What causes nummular eczema?
»	Is there a cure for nummular eczema?
»	How does seborrheic dermatitis present in children?
»	How does seborrheic dermatitis present in adults?
»	What causes seborrheic dermatitis, and with what disease states is it commonly found?
»	Discuss the treatment approaches to seborrheic dermatitis.
»	What is an “id” reaction, and what does it have to do with Sigmund Freud?
»	What are the most common settings for an id reaction and how should you treat it?
»	What do you call dermatitis that covers virtually the whole cutaneous surface?
»	How can you determine the cause of a patient’s exfoliative dermatitis?
»	What general treatment measures are used to treat patients with exfoliative dermatitis?

What are the diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis?

Three of the four following features must be present:
• Pruritus—the primary symptom, and even referred to as the “primary lesion” by some
• Typical morphology and distribution of lesions for age
• Chronic or chronically relapsing course
• Personal or family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis