ABSTRACT
I. Introduction 2
A. Historical Background 2
B. Allergic Contact Dermatitis and the Patch Test 3
II. Definition 4
A. Definition of Eczema 4
B. Definition of Eczema and Dermatitis 5
C. Definition of Eczema of the Hands 5
III. Prevalence and Significance 6
A. Prevalence 6
B. Significance 7
1. Occupational 8
2. Domestic 8
3. Social 9
4. Psychological 10
IV. Classification 11
A. Diffuse or Patchy, Dorsal, and Palmar 12
B. Particular Patterns 12
1. Ring Eczema 12
2. Discoid Hand Eczema 13
3. Hyperkeratotic Hand Eczema 13
4. Fingertip Eczema 14
5. Palmar Eczema 14
a. Dry Palmar 14
b. “Apron” Pattern 15
c. Subacute Recurrent Vesicular Type 15
6. Pompholyx 15
7. Rare Forms 16
a. Gut (Slaughterhouse) Eczema 16 b. Chronic Acral Dermatitis 16
c. Other Patterns 17
References 17
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I. INTRODUCTION
The eczematous group of skin disorders embraces a number of entities in which endogenous exogenous, environmental, and cultural factors are often interwoven. This is particularly true of eczema affecting the hands, a condition that is frequently multifactorial, usually disabling or distressing to the sufferer, and often difficult to treat. This difficulty is partly due to the intrinsic nature of eczema itself and the special anatomical features of the palmar skin but also because of the role of the hands in everyday social life and work and the inability of the patient to comply fully with avoidance techniques.
