by Erich Rosenberger M.D.

Created on: November 28, 2007

Eczema is also known as dermatitis. It covers a broad range of conditions, all of which cause the skin to become inflamed, irritated, and possibly swollen. The most common specific cause of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis. Although the terms "atopic dermatitis" and "eczema" are often used interchangeably, technically atopic dermatitis is a specific cause of eczema.

Atopic dermatitis is an allergic reaction seen in the skin which has some genetic associations, and thus can be inherited. Often atopic dermatitis is seen in conjunction with other immune hypersensitivities such as asthma or hay fever.

The exact cause atopic dermatitis is unclear, but there are certainly environmental triggers as well a genetic predisposition to the problem. The immune system goes haywire and reacts very strongly to environmental stimulants, which can come from a wide variety of common household chemicals. Soaps, detergents, pollen, pet hair, jewelry, metals, and even some types of clothing fabrics have all been associated with outbreaks of atopic dermatitis. In some cases, weather and even stress can trigger an attack as well.

Atopic dermatitis is most commonly seen in children, although it can persist in to adulthood in as much as 1-2% of the population. Estimates put the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in children at up to 20% - and those numbers are increasing all the time.

Eczema can effect any part of the skin, however the face, hands, neck, ankles, knees and feet are the most common locations for a rash. Infants will more often get the rashes on the scalp, forehead, neck, cheeks and legs. Often the area effected will become itchy before a rash is visible, but this is not always the case.

Later symptoms can include oozing, blisters, rashes, and any other nasty variation of skin grossness you can imagine. Needless to say, a person suffering from an outbreak of eczema can be quite uncomfortable.

Contact eczema, also known as contact dermatitis, is another common form of eczema. This is a hypersensitivity to a particular chemical or substance. When a person comes in contact with the offending chemical, their immune system overreacts and causes the eczematous rash. Soaps, nickel (or other metals) and perfumes are common causes of contact dermatitis. Poison ivy or poison oak rashes are a common type of contact dermatitis for those how have been unlucky enough to be hiking in the woods at the wrong season - which I've personally had the misfortune to experience.

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