L20.0/L20.8-9
L20.0/L20.8-9
DESCRIPTION
A form of eczema with small or large vesicles, associated with oozing and eventual crusting and scaling. Yellow pustules which crust indicate sepsis.
GENERAL MEASURES
- Sodium chloride 0.9% dressings, applied daily or twice daily.
- Avoid use of soap on affected areas.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Topical steroids, e.g.:
- Hydrocortisone 1%, topical, applied 12 hourly, until improved.
- Topical steroids should be applied to both moist and dry inflamed areas.
Antibiotic treatment if secondary infection is present:
Children ≤ 7 years of age
- Cefalexin , oral, 12–25 mg/kg/dose 6 hourly for 5 days. See paediatric dosing tool.
OR
- Flucloxacillin, oral, 12–25 mg/kg/dose 6 hourly for 5 days. See paediatric dosing tool.
Children > 7 years of age and adults
- Cefalexin, oral, 500 mg 6 hourly for 5 days.
OR
- Flucloxacillin, oral, 500 mg 6 hourly for 5 days.
Severe penicillin allergy: Z88.0
Children
- Macrolide, e.g.:
- Azithromycin, oral, 10 mg /kg/dose daily for 3 days. See: paediatric dosing tool.
Adults
- Macrolide, e.g.:
- Azithromycin, oral, 500 mg daily for 3 days.
For itching
Children
- Chlorphenamine, oral, 0.1 mg/kg/dose.at night See: paediatric dosing tool.
Adults
- Chlorphenamine, oral, 4 mg, at night.
Note: Chlorphenamine is sedating.
CAUTION
Do not give an antihistamine to children < 2 years of age.
If itch not controlled or more severe daytime itch, switch to:
Children: 2–6 years of age
- Cetirizine, oral, 5 mg once daily. See paediatric dosing tool.
Children > 6 years of age and adults
- Cetirizine, oral, 10 mg once daily.
For itching in children < 2 years of age:
- Calamine lotion, applied on the skin
REFERRAL
- No improvement after a week.
- Severe acute moist or weeping eczema.