Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

Atopic eczemais a chronic, superficial

inflammation that occurs in people with

an inherited tendency towards allergy.

The condition is common in babies. An

intensely itchy rash occurs, usually on

the face, in the elbow creases, and be-

hind the knees. The skin often scales,

and small red pimples may appear. For

mild cases, emollientshelp keep the

skin soft. In severe cases, corticosteroid

ointments may be used. Antihistamine

drugsmay reduce itching. Excluding

certain foods from the diet may be

helpful. Atopic eczema often clears up

on its own as a child grows older.

Nummular eczema usually occurs in

adults. The cause is unknown. It pro-

duces circular, itchy, scaling patches

anywhere on the skin, similar to those

of tinea(ringworm). Topical cortico-

steroids may reduce the inflammation,

but the disorder is often persistent.

Hand eczema is usually caused by irri-

tant substances such as detergents, but

may occur for no apparent reason. Itchy

blisters develop, usually on the palms,

and the skin may become scaly and

cracked. Hand eczema usually improves

if emollients are used and cotton gloves

with rubber gloves over them are worn

when coming into contact with irritants.

If the eczema is severe, corticosteroids

may be prescribed.

Stasis eczema occurs in people with

varicose veins. The skin on the legs may

become irritated, inflamed, and discol-

oured. The most important factor is

swelling of the legs, which may be con-

trolled with compression bandages or

stockings. Ointments containing corti-

costeroids may give temporary relief.

EDDThe abbreviation for expected date

of delivery, the date on which a baby is

due to be born. The EDD is calculated

as 40 weeks from the first day of the

woman’s last menstrual period (see peri-

od, menstrual). In practice, babies are

rarely born exactly on their EDD.

edentulousWithout teeth.

EEGThe abbreviation for electroenceph-

alography, a method of recording the

activity of the brain. A trace of the activ-

ity is displayed on a monitor or printed

out on a moving strip of paper. In an

EEG, a number of small electrodes are

attached to the scalpand connected to

an instrument that records the minute

electrical impulses that are produced by

the brain’s activity. By revealing charac-

teristic wave patterns, an EEG can help

EDD EEG

E

Connection panel

for electrodes

Technician

Monitor

displaying

trace

EEG

Recording

electrode

Printed

trace