Many people believe that eczema and dermatitis are two separate conditions. In fact, they are the same term used to describe inflammation of the skin. Although technically the same words, in real life, we use these terms with subtle differences in connotation. We will explore the terminology and etymology of eczema and dermatitis to clarify the relationship between these two terms.
Atopic dermatitis, often referred to as eczema, is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that causes inflammation, redness, and irritation of the skin. It is a common condition that usually begins in childhood; however, anyone can get the disease at any age. Atopic dermatitis is not contagious, so it cannot be spread from person to person.(https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis)
Eczema and dermatitis refer to the same skin condition—inflammation of the skin.
Eczema is an older, layman's term that represents various skin issues, including swelling, heat, and dryness. In contrast, dermatitis is a more technical term used to describe the same inflammatory skin conditions. This situation is similar to the relationship between the terms hay fever and allergic rhinitis, where one is an older term and the other is a more technical term, but with same meaning. The word "eczema" originates from the Greek word "ekzema," which means "to boil out" or "to break out." This term aptly describes the appearance of the inflamed skin associated with the condition. Dermatitis, on the other hand, is derived from the Greek words "derma" (skin) and "itis" (inflammation), which directly translates to "inflammation of the skin."
Eczema is most commonly used to refer to atopic dermatitis. Both "atopic dermatitis" and "atopic eczema" are correct terms. So, when someone says, "I have eczema" without using 'atopic' in front, they probably mean atopic dermatitis. The diagnosis is based on age-specific clinical criteria that include pruritus and chronic or relapsing spongiotic dermatitis involving the face, trunk, and/or extensor extremities in infants, flexural surfaces like the wrists/ankles and antecubital/popliteal fossae in children, or the hands in adults.
 |
| Clinical feature(Siegfried EC, Hebert AA. Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis: Mimics, Overlaps, and Complications. J Clin Med. 2015;4(5):884-917.2015) |
It is most prevalent in babies and children, but adults can have it too. As children with atopic dermatitis grow older, this problem may get better or go away. However, sometimes the skin may remain dry and get irritated easily. These conditions typically cause dry, itchy skin and rashes on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. When this pattern of skin irritation is repeated for a long time, we define it as atopic dermatitis. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is not contagious, and its exact cause is unknown. It is likely triggered by both genetic and environmental factors. Eczema may improve or worsen over time, but it is often a long-lasting disease. People who have it may also develop nasal allergy and asthma.
In addition to atopic eczema, the term "eczema" is commonly used for the following conditions:
- Contact dermatitis: This type of eczema occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen or irritant, causing redness, itching, and inflammation.
- Dyshidrotic eczema: Characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters on the hands and feet, this type of eczema can be painful and itchy.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: This condition affects the scalp and other oily areas of the body, causing redness, scaling, and flaking of the skin.
- Hand eczema: This type of eczema specifically affects the hands and can be triggered by various factors, such as irritants or allergens, making the skin dry, itchy, and cracked.
Eczema and dermatitis, while often thought of as separate entities, are in fact the same term referring to the inflammation of the skin. The primary difference lies in their usage, with eczema being a layman's term and dermatitis serving as the technical term used by medical professionals. By understanding the similarities and subtle distinctions between these two terms, we can accurately describe and discuss skin conditions and eliminate confusion surrounding their relationship.