Conditions	Distinguishing features	Method for diagnosis	Treatment principles
Atopic dermatitis	More widespread than contact dermatitis and follows a certain distribution involving flexor surfaces	History and clinical appearance, skin biopsy when uncertain	Topical steroids and emollients
Dyshidrotic eczema	Occurs on the hands and feet with clear, deep-seated vesicles resembling tapioca; erythema; and scaling	History and clinical appearance, skin biopsy when uncertain	Topical steroids and emollients
Inverse psoriasis	Well-demarcated erythema in intertriginous areas	History and clinical appearance, skin biopsy when uncertain	Topical steroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors
Latex allergy	Erythema, pruritus, and possibly a systemic reaction	History and clinical appearance, allergy testing when uncertain	Avoidance of latex
Palmoplantar psoriasis	Plaques and pustules on the palms and soles	History and clinical appearance, skin biopsy when uncertain	Potent topical steroids and oral retinoids
Scabies	Burrows and typical distribution on hands, feet, waist, axilla, or groin	History and clinical appearance, skin scraping when uncertain	Overnight therapy with permethrin (Elimite)
Tinea pedis	Usually occurs between toes, on the soles, and on the sides of the feet; whereas contact dermatitis is more common on the dorsum of the foot	History and clinical appearance, potassium hydroxide testing when uncertain	Topical and/or oral antifungal medications