Eczema and dermatitis

Eczema & Dermatitis

What is Eczema?

The word eczema (dermatitis means the same thing) is derived from the Greek word meaning to boil over. Attacks of eczema are associated with reddening of the skin ('erythema'), itchy dry pimples ('papules') and discharging pimples ('pustules') that lead to areas of inflamed and scratched skin ('excoriation') with crusting. Eczema is divided into two main types:

Atopic Eczema		Contact Eczema
*Atopic Eczema* arises because of an inherited tendency. This form of eczema usually (although not always) starts in infancy or childhood. Most people with this form of eczema have other kinds of allergy, such as food allergy, asthma or hay fever, and most are aware of other family members with a history of allergy. This type of eczema can worsen after eating certain foods or after being exposed to other allergens such as pollen or dust. It can be a long term condition. more . . .		Contact eczema (sometimes called 'dermatitis') is caused by an allergic reaction to something with which the patient is in regular contact. A very wide range of substances is now known to be capable of inducing such reactions. For example, builders working with cement are at risk from developing cement dermatitis because of sensitivity to potassium chromate. Nurses who wear rubber gloves are at risk from contact eczema to either to rubber latex, or to glove chemicals. more . . .

Both these types of eczema are considered to be the result of allergic reactions and many sufferers have other allergies also, such as asthma, hay fever and food allergy. Infection and emotional stress are both capable of worsening eczema, although neither acting alone can cause the problem.

Useful Addresses

The National Eczema Society

The National Eczema Society provides education and training for eczema sufferers:
Hill House
Highgate Hill
London
N19 5NA.

Helpline: 0870 241 3604.

Website: www.eczema.org