The terms eczema and dermatitis describe a reaction pattern of skin disorders with a variety of common characteristics. The acute disease typically is characterized by inflammation, redness, swelling, and itching, as well as some blistering and oozing.
Skin biopsies show inflammatory cells and swelling.
When dermatitis becomes subacute, the intense reaction becomes milder, and the blisters begin to heal. Crusts and scale are common at this time. Chronic dermatitis is identified by thickened, leathery skin with excess ridges, as well as dark and dull skin. There is a wide range of dermatitis types. Atopic dermatitis is an inherited condition characterized by dry, sensitive, itchy skin.