Information From Your Health Care Provider

ID REACTION

(Autoeczematization; Autosensitization)

Basic information

description

Id reaction is an allergic response to a skin condition that occurs somewhere else on the body. It can affect all ages.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Itching (often severe).
Vesicles (small, fluid-filled blisters) of varying size on the skin.
It most often occurs on the sides of the fingers (usually on both hands), but can be all over the body.

causes

Unknown. An id reaction may be a disorder of the body's immune response to the original skin problem. It may occur with a fungal infection, such as athlete's feet, or other type of skin condition.

risk increases with

Recent skin rash (such as diaper dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, external otitis, hand eczema, or foot eczema).
History of allergies.
Stress may play a role.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Treat all skin infections until they are cured.
Prevent fungal infections of the skin by using good hygiene. Be sure skin between the toes and in skinfold areas is completely dry after bathing or swimming.

expected outcomes

Usually curable in 2 weeks. It may recur again if treatment is stopped before the id reaction and original condition are gone.

possible complications

A bacterial infection may develop.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam of the affected skin and ask questions about your symptoms. A medical test may be done to check for the type of infection that caused the original skin problem.
Treatment of the first skin condition should also cure the id reaction.
Id reaction does not respond well to simple measures such as soaks.

medications

Topical or oral steroid drugs may be prescribed.
An anti-itching cream for skin can help control the itching.
Drugs (such as an antifungal) may be prescribed for other skin problems diagnosed.

activity

No limits.

diet

No special diet.

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of an id reaction.
The following occur during treatment:
- Fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C).
- Infection develops (heat, redness, pain, or tenderness in any of the lesions).