Getting to know

Eczema (also called dermatitis) manifests as red, very itchy swellings that can develop into blisters (usually small). When the blisters burst, crusts will form. In small children these flare-ups can involve the whole body (but usually sparing the diaper/nappy area). In older children and adults allergic eczema tends to affect more limited areas of the skin, typically involving the skin folds (like the elbow joint, around the wrists, behind the knees etc.).

Eczema can be allergic in origin and this is called atopic dermatitis.
However, another common form of eczema is contact eczema, or contact dermatitis.

To discover more about these conditions, click on the corresponding links.