DERMATITIS

Dermatitis affects about one in every five people at some time in their lives. It results from a variety of different causes and has various patterns.

The terms "dermatitis" and "eczema" are often used interchangeably. Dermatitis can be "acute" or "chronic" or both. Acute eczema refers to a rapidly evolving red rash which may be blistered and swollen. Chronic dermatitis refers to a longstanding irritable area. It is often darker than the surrounding skin, thickened (lichenified) and much scratched.

Psychological stresses can provoke or aggravate dermatitis, presumably by suppressing normal immune mechanisms.