Eczema / Dermatitis
The terms eczema and dermatitis are used interchangeably, denoting the polymorphic inflammatory reaction pattern involving the epidermis and dermis. There are many causes and a wide range of clinical findings. Subtypes of dermatitis include: contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a distinct form of dermatitis with a strong genetic predisposition contributing to flare-ups. All forms of dermatitis can be characterized by itching, redness, dryness, weeping, thickening, and fissuring of skin. The causes are numerous.
Atopic eczema, which is also called atopic dermatitis, is a very common skin problem. It may start in infancy, later in childhood, or in adulthood. Once it gets underway, it tends not to go quickly away.
