the history
Last reviewed 10/2020
The history should include details of:
- duration
- site of onset and details of spread
- fluctuation or persistence
- provoking or aggravating factors
- any associated symptoms, such as itching, burning, soreness, pain, weeping, oozing, blisters or odour
Other important features of the history include:
- the general health at present
- any past history of skin problems
- any past medical history, particularly of atopy
- any family history of skin disorders, in particular atopic disease or psoriasis
- social history, including job, hobbies, travel and the interference of the condition with the quality of life
- any medications used to try to treat the condition, together with any other medications taken
- any allergies to drugs or contact allergens