Use of Informational/Instructional Sheets with Eczema Patients

Contact dermatitis is not a homogenous entity, but rather a number of subtypes contributing to different clinical presentations. For better understanding, instructional sheets provide information that assists in patient care. Informational sheets on contact dermatitis, patch testing, hand dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and poison ivy are reviewed for open forum. Although often considered archaic therapy, restriction in use of soaps/cleansers appears to aid in clinical improvement of contact irritant dermatitis. Patient education on patch testing is greatly aided by presenting visual material prior to formal discussion. An internet site for more information regarding culprit environmental allergens is presented. Some simple methods for patients to achieve clinical improvement with eczema, hand dermatitis, and poison ivy are presented. Simplicity, clarity, as well as practical, usable information are important with patient presentation of the subject of eczema. The material has to be presented in an easy-tofollow, coherent manner for patients. Semantics and scientific detail are not necessarily included. Thus on instructional sheets, eczema can be equated with dermatitis; determining the primary lesion in an eruption is not discussed; classification by stage, location, appearance, or cause is not necessary. Eczema is inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. There is a range of skin rashes associated with the condition including redness, skin edema, dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, and/or bleeding. The condition can be associated with temporary skin discoloration, but scarring is rare.