The word eczema is derived from the Greek to boil over and is characterized by dry, itching and inflamed skin. The term eczema is now used interchangeably with the term dermatitis. The most common type is atopic eczema which generally begins in infancy or childhood and is thought to affect up to one fifth of all children. The prevalence of atopic eczema has increased 2-3 fold in the last 30 years.
Atopic eczema is an inherited condition, associated with asthma and hay fever.
It is partly an allergic response to a range of different protein based allergens. These allergens are found in the environment and, as dust, danders or pollens, may contact the skin, or be inhaled or ingested. As atopic, but presenting in coin shaped patches usually on the limbs and torso. There is no known cause for discoid eczema. As atopic, usually presenting as persistent dandruff, but can spread to the face and skin folds.