[Ergo-therapy as a dermatological rehabilitation measure in eczematics--aim and first clinical experiences (author's transl)].

A new kind of clinical rehabilitation therapy of chronic eczematous patients is reported. It consists of a standardized, work-like activity of the hands increasing in time and intensity. This ergotherapy is coordinated with the clinical treatment. Until now our experiences have shown that the clinical healing as well as the functional reconstruction of the horny layer (alkali resistance, permeability) are not delayed by the work-like skin stress. The instruction and guidance concerning cleaning and skin protective measures are of particular importance. The observation of the course of 77 subjects suggests a positive influence on patients suffering from degenerative eczema whereas the results in patients with multiple allergies do not confirm previous expectations.