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Eczema
and dermatitis
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Atopic
eczema
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Contact
dermatitis
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The word
eczema
(dermatitis means the same thing) is derived from
the Greek word meaning to boil over.
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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:
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Atopic
eczema
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Contact
dermatitis (eczema)
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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.
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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.
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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
Hill House
Highgate Hill
London
N19 5NA
The National Eczema
Society provides education and training for eczema
sufferers:
Helpline:
0870 241 3604
Website: www.eczema.org
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