Eczema: causes, symptoms and treatment in the community

The most common diseases encountered by health professionals are those associated with skin disorders. There are thousands of skin diseases, accurate diagnosis of which is critical to appropriate management and patient outcomes. Diseases of the skin are the most common group of occupational health problems that lead to absence from work in the general population. Eczema describes a variety of inflammatory skin disorders; it is a chronic, widespread, non-infective inflammatory condition that causes severe pruritus, erythema and scaling. The condition can impact at any age; generally it occurs during infancy or early childhood. The cause of atopic eczema is complex and not fully understood. This article describes the pathophysiology associated with eczema focusing upon atopic eczema. Signs and symptoms are described; methods of diagnosis and treatment options are outlined. The most up-to-date clinical evidence is used to inform the community nurse. The active involvement of the informed patient in their therapy is critical to success and this is advocated. The role of the nurse is central to enhancing health and wellbeing of people with atopic eczema.