Some skin conditions, such as blistering diseases, guttate and pustular psoriasis, exfoliative erythroderma, reactive erythemas and acute contact dermatitis have an acute onset and require prompt intervention. Acute vesicular or weeping dermatoses are best treated with cool, wet compresses and topical lotions, whereas dry, scaly skin conditions should be treated with hydrating measures and topical ointments. Oral antihistamines and topical and systemic steroids are the mainstays of treatment for these severe dermatoses.