The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7258 p95
19 July 2003

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A handy primer for anyone who wants to learn about eczema and its treatments

'Understanding eczema', by David de Berker. Pp 148, Price £3.50. Poole: Family Doctor Publications Ltd with BMA; 2002. ISBN 1 903474 03 5

This little book contains a wealth of information and is written in a simple, straightforward style. It is generously illustrated and makes extensive use of tables. Each chapter ends with a summary list of key points.

The book covers not only atopic eczema but also the other variants of eczema and differential diagnoses of eczematous eruptions. A whole chapter is devoted to contact dermatitis. This helpfully describes the differences between irritant and allergic dermatoses and provides useful tables to help the user to identify potential irritants or allergens. The process of patch-testing is described in some detail, which would be helpful for anyone about to undergo the process and for parents who need to understand what will happen to their child.

The bulk of the book is concerned with treatment of eczema and this covers not only pharmacological treatments but also all the other measures that can be taken to prevent exacerbations of eczema and to improve the effectiveness of treatment, such as using adequate quantities of emollients. It also includes a down-to-earth guide to topical steroids that presents a well-balanced view of a much-misunderstood topic.

A brief chapter looks at alternative treatments for eczema and the author rounds off with a question-and-answer section, a glossary of terms and an extensive list of useful addresses.

This book would be a handy primer for anyone who wanted to learn about eczema and its treatment. It is designed for patients but would be useful for pharmacy students and for pharmacists unfamiliar with day-to-day dermatology practice.

If the book has a weakness it is the description of tacrolimus as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent rather than as an immunomodulator — and the curious illustrations of men without genitalia. However, these are minor criticisms of a book that is bargain-priced and crammed with well-presented and practical information.

Christine Clark

Dr Christine Clark is principal research fellow (part-time) in clinical therapeutics, University of Bradford School of Pharmacy