Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- skin lesions
- pruritus
Other diagnostic factors
- hyperhidrosis
- recurrent eruptions
- pain
Risk factors
- exposure to irritants
- atopy
- metal allergy
- hyperhidrosis
- emotional stress
Diagnostic investigations
1st investigations to order
- clinical diagnosis
Investigations to consider
- skin biopsy
- potassium hydroxide (KOH)
- patch testing
- scabies prep
Treatment algorithm
all patients
Contributors
Authors
Andrea Bershow, MD
Assistant Professor
Dermatology
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis
MN
Disclosures
AB declares that she has no competing interests.
Acknowledgements
Dr Andrea Bershow would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Erin M. Warshaw and Dr Sabra M. Lofgren, previous contributors to this topic. EMW and SML declare that they have no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
Gina Taylor, MD
Resident
Department of Dermatology
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
New York
NY
Disclosures
GT declares that she has no competing interests.
Laura Korb Ferris, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Dermatology
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Pittsburgh
PA
Disclosures
LKF declares that she has no competing interests.
Maria Tsoukas, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Section of Dermatology
Department of Medicine
University of Chicago
IL
Disclosures
MT declares that she has no competing interests.
Gerard Guillet, MD
Professor of Dermatology
Department of Dermatology and Allergology
University Hospital Poitiers
Poitiers
France
Disclosures
GG declares that he has no competing interests.
Differentials
- Tinea manuum/pedis
- Palmoplantar psoriasis
- Allergic contact dermatitis
More DifferentialsGuidelines
- Guidelines for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of hand eczema
More GuidelinesPatient leaflets
Dermatitis
Eczema
More Patient leafletsLog in or subscribe to access all of BMJ Best Practice
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer