Treatment options for other forms of eczema.
| | Type | Treatment options |
| | Irritant dermatitis | Avoidance of the irritating factor(s), liberal use of emollients and topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Napkin rash can be a type of irritant contact dermatitis. Barrier products for treating napkin rash often contain zinc oxide, which has soothing and protective properties. |
| | Contact allergic dermatitis | Topical corticosteroids are used to treat both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. Oral antibiotics should be prescribed if there are visible signs of infection. Contact dermatitis is considered widespread when greater than 25% of the body is affected and the cause is known and avoidable in future. In adults, oral prednisolone can be prescribed for 2–3 weeks, in reducing doses, when the cause is known and is avoidable in the future. |
| | Seborrhoeic dermatitis | Seborrhoeic dermatitis will require treatment with an antifungal cream for secondary candidal infection. A mild steroid can also be used for up to 1 week to treat inflammation. Antifungal preparations combined with topical corticosteroids are the first-line treatment for adults with seborrhoeic dermatitis. |
| | Juvenile plantar dermatoses | Emollients should be applied liberally, occlusive dressings for deep fissures and potent topical corticosteroids for inflammation. Wearing of trainers should be discouraged. |
| | Discoid eczema | Treatment is with emollients and potent or very potent topical corticosteroids. |
| | Lichen simplex/neurodermatitis | Patches of lichen simplex or neurodermatitis are treated with topical steroids under occlusion, to prevent habitual scratching and rubbing. |
| | Pompholyx | Treatment is with emollients and potent topical corticosteroids. Sedating antihistamines may be required at night as this condition produces intense itch and irritation (Figure 9.12). |
| | Asteatotic eczema | Treatment with emollients; humectants emollients with anti-itch properties may be helpful. Topical corticosteroids will be indicated for reducing mild erythema. |
| | Varicose eczema | Treatment is with emollients and topical corticosteroids (use ointment preparations). Patch testing may be indicated, should contact dermatitis be suspected. Paste bandages may be applied during the acute period. Compression (support) stockings are indicted for chronic periods and long-term prevention. Concordance with compression therapy, leg elevation and ankle movement are also important (Brooks et al., 2004). |
