The term eczema is often used interchangeably with dermatitis. These symptoms usually subside in a short time. Chronic dermatoses , in which the symptoms range from small oozing blisters and crustiness to thickened, discolored, scaly, and painfully cracked skin. These symptoms usually develop slowly and persist over long periods of time. Treatment may be required for each flare-up of the condition.
Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory response by the skin to an outside irritant or allergen.
Substances that cause contact dermatitis are commonly found in household items, clothing, cosmetics, and plants. For this reason, most people will experience contact dermatitis at least once during their lifetime. Irritant contact dermatitis is produced by a substance that has a direct toxic effect on the skin. After exposure to an irritant, a skin reaction can occur immediately or gradually after repeated exposure. Allergic contact dermatitis triggers an immunologic response that causes an inflammatory reaction called a skin allergy.