Eczema in general

Eczema are some of the most common inflammatory skin diseases; they are frequently job-related. Eczema are characterised by an inflammation of the skin and the 'cardinal symptom' itching.

The term 'eczema' is derived from the Greek and means 'effervesce' or 'boil up'. As a collective term, the description 'eczema' incorporates a whole number of inflammatory skin diseases that have different causes but always progress in a very similar manner.

An acute eczema typically starts with a reddening of the skin areas affected, mostly accompanied by itching, swelling, blister formation and weeping. As the disease progresses, crusts form and in the healing phase, the skin becomes scaly. Acute eczema are often also called 'dermatitis' (= skin inflammation).

Acute eczema are differentiated from chronic eczema that regress only with difficulty and are characterised by slightly different symptoms. In the chronic phase, the skin tends to be dry, scaly and itchy. There are no highly inflammatory signs such as blister formation and weeping. The skin, however, is marked by strong lines ('lichenification')

The causes and appearance of eczema are diverse. A fundamental distinction is made between the following forms of eczema:

• Atopic eczema (= neurodermatitis)
• Acute or chronic contact eczema (allergic or irritating/toxic)
• Nummular eczema
• Seborrhoeic eczema