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Eczema

 Eczema affects about one in every five people at some time in their lives. It results from a variety of different causes and has various patterns. The terms "dermatitis" and "eczema" are often used interchangeably. Dermatitis can be "acute" or "chronic" or both. Acute eczema refers to a rapidly evolving red rash, which may be blistered and swollen. Chronic dermatitis refers to a longstanding irritable area. It is often darker than the surrounding skin, thickened and much scratched. It is typically triggeredby an irrating soap, hot water, a fragrance and even stress.

Erythema Infectiosum

Erythema infectiosum is also known as Fifth disease. Fifth disease is a common childhood infection causing a "slapped cheek" appearance and a rash. It most commonly affects young children and often occurs in several members of the family or school class. Thirty percent of infected individuals have no symptoms. The child is usually otherwise quite well, but occasionally has a slight fever and headache. The first sign is firm red cheeks, which feel burning hot. A rash follows 1 to 4 days later with a lace or network pattern on the limbs and then the trunk. Although most prominent in the first few days, the rash can persist at least intermittently for up to six weeks.

Erythema Nodosum

Erythema Nodosum is an important acute inflammatory/immunologic reaction pattern of the fatty tissue under the skin, characterized by the appearance of painful tender nodules on the lower legs and caused by many etiologies such as strep bacteria, drugs and sarcoidosis. Typically it has the appearance of raised bruises on the lower legs.

Erythema Multiforme (minor)

This reaction pattern of small targetoid blisters on the hands and feet is almost always truggered by a herpes outbreak (cold sore). Typically leisions may occur on the lips and gentitals. Treatment of teh underlying infection results in resolution of the blisters.

Erythrasma

Erythrasma is a common skin condition affecting the skin folds such as under the arms, in the groin and between the toes. The responsible organism is a bacterium, Corynebacterium minutissimum. It can infect anyone, but is particularly prevalent in those living in a warm climate. Erythrasma does not usually cause any symptoms. It presents as a slowly enlarging area of pink or brown dry skin.

Erysipelas

(see cellulitis)

Exfoliative Keratolysis

Exfoliative keratolysis is a common skin condition in which there is focal peeling of the palms and less often the soles. It is also known as keratolysis exfoliativa. Exfoliative keratolysis is more common during the summer months, and most often affects young adults. The first sign is one or more superficial air-filled blisters on the fingers or palms. The blisters burst to leave expanding collarettes of scale and circular or oval, tender, peeled areas. These peeled areas lack a normal barrier function and may become red, dry and cracked. However, they are not generally itchy. The symptoms are aggravated by exposure to irritants including water, soap, detergents and solvents. Eventually normal skin forms, but frequently exfoliative keratolysis recurs within a few weeks. Sometimes on the ends of the fingers the split in the skin is deeper, in which case the skin feels hard and numb and takes longer to peel off.