[Therapy of eczematous diseases in general practice]

The treatment of the different diseases which are comprised under the determination of "eczema" is mainly an anti-inflammatory treatment. Thus, topical corticosteroids play a large role. Development of more potent topical corticosteroids has lead to increasing numbers of unwanted side effects. In local therapy of eczema it is important to consider the phase of the disease when one chooses the vehicle: wet dressings, lotions, creams or ointments are applied according to the actual state of the skin. Special localisations also have to be considered e.g. in scrotal or perianal exzema.