Eczema
How do doctors diagnose eczema?
Doctors will usually be able to tell whether someone has eczema by looking at their skin.
Your doctor may also ask you some questions about your health (or your child's health) and whether other members of your family
have
allergies that go along with eczema, such as asthma or hay fever.
allergy
If you have an allergy to something, your body overreacts when you're around it. The thing you are allergic to is called an allergen. Most allergens are harmless to most people. But if you're allergic to something, your body's system for fighting infection (your immune system) is too sensitive to that allergen. It triggers changes that we call allergic reactions. For example, pollen is an allergen for many people. If you're allergic to pollen, you'll sneeze and have runny eyes when pollen is in the air.
If you have an allergy to something, your body overreacts when you're around it. The thing you are allergic to is called an allergen. Most allergens are harmless to most people. But if you're allergic to something, your body's system for fighting infection (your immune system) is too sensitive to that allergen. It triggers changes that we call allergic reactions. For example, pollen is an allergen for many people. If you're allergic to pollen, you'll sneeze and have runny eyes when pollen is in the air.
If your doctor thinks that an allergy is causing eczema, you can have blood tests or
skin tests to find out what's causing the allergy.
skin test
Skin tests are good for finding out if you are allergic to something. Doctors can also use skin tests to find out if you have ever been exposed to a disease, like tuberculosis. When you have this kind of test, a tiny amount of a chemical or fluid is lightly scratched onto your skin or injected just below the surface. After a certain amount of time, your doctor or nurse can "read" the results by looking at the spot where the scratch or injection was done. The test might be finished in a few hours, a few days, or even longer. You might not have any reaction, or you might get a small red or scabby spot.
Skin tests are good for finding out if you are allergic to something. Doctors can also use skin tests to find out if you have ever been exposed to a disease, like tuberculosis. When you have this kind of test, a tiny amount of a chemical or fluid is lightly scratched onto your skin or injected just below the surface. After a certain amount of time, your doctor or nurse can "read" the results by looking at the spot where the scratch or injection was done. The test might be finished in a few hours, a few days, or even longer. You might not have any reaction, or you might get a small red or scabby spot.
This information was last updated on May 01, 2009
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional.
The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.
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Source: ConsumerReportsHealth.org Copyright © 2005-2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
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