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Main > Specialty Areas > Dermatology >
Eczema Diagnosis
The medical fraternity seems to agree that identifying eczema can sometimes be tricky. There are a number of other skin conditions which can seem deceptively similar to eczema; for instance Psoriasis sometimes can look like eczema.
Eczema diagnosis is generally based on the appearance of inflamed, itchy skin in eczema sensitive areas such as face, chest and other skin crease areas. However, given to the many possible reasons of eczema flare ups, your doctor is likely to ascertain a number of other things before making a judgment:
An insight to your family history
Your dietary habits
Your lifestyle
Allergic tendencies
Any prescribed drug intake
Any chemical or material exposure at home or workplace
To determine whether your eczema flare is resulting from an allergen, your doctor may suggest a blood test called radioallergosorbent test (RAST). In the test, blood is mixed with an allergen; antibodies developing in the blood are the sign of an allergy.
The diagnosis may also involve a skin lesion biopsy; removal of a small piece of skin for examination in a laboratory.
Blood test and biopsy are not regular procedure for eczema diagnosis. However, doctors at time do follow it in order to draw a conclusive judgment.
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| Random Useful Tip: |
Epinephrine shot If you are known to have a severe anaphylactic reaction, carry an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot with you at all times. Pay attention to expiration date and replace it regularly: upon expiration, it loses its effectiveness. |
| Random Drug Info: |
Acyclovir Acyclovir is a medication that is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lips and genitals, chicken pox and shingles. It comes in the form of ointments, tablets, capsules or liquids. It relieves pain and itchiness and promotes healing; however, it does not cure the condition. Possible (but not common) side effects include headaches, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. Severe side effects, such as severe rash or itching, blood in the urine, stomach pain or fever are even less common, but require prompt medical attention. |
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