History
A 40-year-old man presented to our department with a 2-month
history of severe eczema, intensive pruritus and sleep disturbance.
His medical history revealed atopic eczema and allergic rhinitis
diagnosed early in childhood. Previous atopy patch tests with
common aero-allergens disclosed sensitization against most common
pollen, house-dust mites and animal dander. Since his last
hospitalization 7 years ago, the disease has been satisfactorily
controlled with irregular use of emollients, topical
corticosteroids, antihistamines and, rarely, UV-light therapy.
Recently, emotional stress led to a generalized and severe flare of
atopic eczema. There was also a family history of atopy, as the
patient's sister had an atopic eczema and his uncle suffered from
asthma.