Eczema – Dermatitis Information – Home Health UK Ltd

What is eczema?

The word eczema comes from the Greek and means 'to boil over'. Eczema or dermatitis are two medical terms used to describe numerous skin conditions. Like many allergic conditions the severity of the disease can vary. Although it can sometimes look very unpleasant eczema is not contagious.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

The main symptoms of eczema is skin that is dry, red and inflamed. The area of skin that is affected is often very itchy and in some cases small blisters may form, which can weep and become crusted. Eczema is usually found on the face, hands, the insides of the elbows and the backs of the knees, but it can cover most of the body.

What causes eczema?

The cause of eczema depends on what type you have, read below for more information on the different types. However, in adults, eczema can be triggered off by certain chemicals so care may need to be taken in some jobs. Areas of work with a high risk include: hairdressing, nursing, cleaning, engineering, animal handling or plastering.

Types of eczema

There are many different forms of eczema, which may look and appear very similar but have very different causes.

Two of the most common types of eczema are atopic eczema and contact dermatitis:

Atopic eczema

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Eczema - Dermatitis Information - Home Health UK Ltd