... should be given for bacterialinfections. Aluminium acetate or potassium perman-ganate soaks, followed by applications of a very potentcorticosteroid cream, are often helpful.Gravitational ... include the elimination of oedema by el-evation, pressure bandages or diuretics. A moderatelypotent topical steroid may be helpful, but strongerones are best avoided. Bland applications, e.g. ... recur either in the same place or elsewhere.InvestigationsNone are usually needed.TreatmentPotent topical steroids or occlusive bandaging, wherefeasible, help to break the scratch–itch cycle....