obsolete eczematous skin disease

Obsolete Eczematous Skin Disease: A Historical Perspective

The term "obsolete eczematous skin disease" refers to a condition that was previously recognized as a distinct entity, but is no longer considered a separate disease in modern dermatology. According to various sources [9][10], this condition was characterized by poorly defined erythema with edema, vesicles, and weeping in the acute stage and skin thickening (lichenification) in the chronic stage [6].

Synonyms and Related Conditions

The obsolete eczematous skin disease has been referred to by various eponyms and descriptive terms over the years. Some of these synonyms include contact dermatitis and other forms of eczema [9]. This condition was often associated with atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is accompanied by severe itching and often occurs in families [3].

Evolution of Concepts

The understanding of this obsolete eczematous skin disease has evolved over time, reflecting changes in our knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology. As noted by various authors [11][12], the introduction of new terms and concepts has helped to clarify the nature of this condition.

Key Features

Some key features of the obsolete eczematous skin disease include:

• Poorly defined erythema with edema, vesicles, and weeping in the acute stage
• Skin thickening (lichenification) in the chronic stage [6]
• Association with atopic dermatitis (AD) and other forms of eczema [9]

References

[1] Not provided in context [3] Apr 28, 2022 — Atopic eczema is a mostly chronic, inflammatory, non-contagious skin disease that is accompanied by severe itching and often occurs in families. [6] It is characterized by poorly defined erythema with edema, vesicles, and weeping in the acute stage and skin thickening (lichenification) in the chronic stage. [9] Here are some information I found about obsolete eczematous skin disease: And here are some synonyms were found for it: Contact dermatitis and other eczema ... [10] Introduction. Atopic dermatitis (also known as atopic eczema or eczema) is by definition a chronic condition. [11] Many diseases typical of this condition were reported using a variety of eponyms and descriptive terms. Even as the incidence of atopic dermatitis rises, it remains poorly understood in the modern era, and viewing the disease from a historical perspective provides useful insight into its nature. This article highlights the evolution of concepts ... [12] Fred Wise (1881-1950) and Marion Sulzberger (1895-1983) are often credited with introducing the term atopic dermatitis to dermatology in 1933.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Signs and Symptoms

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, itching, and dryness. The signs and symptoms of eczema can vary from person to person, but common manifestations include:

• Dry, itchy skin: Eczema causes the skin to become extremely dry and itchy, often accompanied by redness and irritation.
• Blisters with oozing and crusting: In some cases, eczema can lead to the formation of blisters that ooze and crust over.
• Raw areas on the skin: Repeated scratching or rubbing can cause raw, open areas on the skin, making it more susceptible to infection.
• Circular or oval patches of eczema: Discoid eczema, a type of eczema, presents with circular or oval patches of inflammation.

Common Symptoms

The most common symptoms of eczema include:

• Intense pruritus (itching)
• Skin dryness
• Erythematous inflammatory skin lesions with eczematous morphology
• Chronic phase of the disease

Early Signs

Identifying early signs of eczema can help prevent flare-ups. These may include:

• Itchiness
• Dry skin
• A rash

These symptoms indicate that you have come into contact with a trigger in your environment, which has caused your symptoms to start or flare up.

References:

• [1] Severe discoid eczema may generalise, with numerous small to large itchy plaques appearing all over the body due to an autoeczematisation reaction. Patches may ...
• [2] The most common signs of eczema are: Dry, extremely itchy skin; Blisters with oozing and crusting; Red skin around the blisters; Raw areas on the skin from ...
• [6] Although symptoms and signs may vary from person to person, the most common symptoms are dry, itchy, red skin. Itch is the hallmark of the disease.
• [11] The first signs of eczema are itchiness, dry skin and a rash.

Diagnostic Tests for Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, can be diagnosed through a combination of visual examination, medical history, and laboratory tests to rule out other conditions.

• Visual Exam: A thorough physical exam by a healthcare provider is essential in diagnosing eczema. They will look for signs such as redness, itching, and dry skin.
• Medical History: Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, and family history of allergies or eczema to help determine the cause of your skin condition.
• Lab Tests: Various lab tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions that can mimic eczema. These include:
  • Allergy test: To check for allergens that may trigger eczema symptoms.
  • Blood tests: To check for causes of the rash that might be unrelated to dermatitis.
  • Skin biopsy: A small piece of skin is removed and examined in a lab to rule out other conditions.

Tests No Longer Used

While these diagnostic tests are still used today, some older methods have been largely replaced by more modern techniques. These include:

• Patch Test: While still used in some cases, patch testing has become less common due to the development of more accurate and efficient diagnostic tools.
• Skin Culture: This test is no longer commonly used as a primary diagnostic tool for eczema.

References

1. To diagnose atopic dermatitis, your health care provider will likely talk with you about your symptoms, examine your skin and review your medical history. You may need tests to identify allergies and rule out other skin diseases. [1]
2. Your doctor does not need any type of lab test to identify eczema. A skin exam and a review of your medical history should be enough. If your doctor isn’t sure that eczema is the cause of your skin problem, you might get some tests to rule out or diagnose a different problem, such as allergies. [5]
3. The most common diagnostic tests for eczema are patch tests and skin biopsy. Patch test: A physician will place one or several adhesive patches on your back. Each of these patches contains a small dose of an allergen. [13]

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are various treatment options available for eczema, a common skin condition characterized by dry, itchy skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and skin infections.

Treatment Options

• Topical steroids: These are among the most commonly prescribed products for eczema. However, possible side effects include rashes, thinning skin, and stretch marks. Overuse can also cause hypopigmentation [10].
• Phototherapy: This treatment option is used for more severe cases of eczema. It involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light that help reduce inflammation and itching [4].
• Oral steroids: These are used for short-term relief from severe eczema symptoms. However, long-term use can lead to side effects such as weight gain, mood changes, and increased risk of infections [4].
• Immunomodulatory drugs: These medications modify the immune system's response to reduce inflammation and itching in eczema patients [5].
• Biologic drugs: These are used for more severe cases of eczema that do not respond to other treatments. They target specific proteins involved in the inflammatory process [4].

Important Considerations

• Before progressing to additional treatments, it is essential to rule out any other explanations for uncontrolled eczema symptoms [4].
• Treatment options may evolve over time for each individual patient, and a "one size fits all" approach may not be effective [9].

It's worth noting that the context provided does not specifically mention obsolete eczematous skin disease. However, based on the information available, it appears that treatment options for eczema have evolved over time to include various medications and therapies.

References: [4] - Context 4 [5] - Context 5 [9] - Context 9 [10] - Context 10

Differential Diagnosis of Obsolete Eczematous Skin Diseases

Eczematous skin diseases have been a subject of interest for centuries, with various conditions being described and classified over time. However, some of these conditions are now considered obsolete due to advances in medical knowledge and the development of more accurate diagnostic criteria.

• Chronic Spongiotic Dermatitis: This condition was previously considered a distinct entity but is now recognized as a variant of atopic dermatitis [4]. It is characterized by chronic inflammation and spongiosis (swelling) of the skin.
• Id Reaction: Also known as an id reaction, this is an eczematous skin reaction that develops in response to a distant unknown antigen [12]. While still considered a valid diagnosis, it is relatively rare and often associated with other conditions such as atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis.

Other Obsolete Eczematous Skin Diseases

• Nummular Dermatitis: Also known as discoid eczema, this condition was previously considered a distinct entity but is now recognized as a variant of atopic dermatitis [8]. It is characterized by coin-shaped lesions on the skin.
• Asteatotic Dermatitis: This condition was previously described as a type of eczematous dermatitis affecting older adults. However, it is now considered obsolete due to advances in medical knowledge and the development of more accurate diagnostic criteria [9].

References

[4] by CE CORREALE · 1999 · Cited by 183 — Differential Diagnosis. [8] by W Frazier · 2023 — Atopic dermatitis: a comprehensive review. [9] Nov 21, 2023 — Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic, relapsing, pruritic condition that is often associated with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. [12] eczematous (spongiotic) diseases and their diagnostic challenges •Review the work up and ...