Dermatitis—Eczema Disorders

Abstract

The term “eczema” is commonly used to describe such a variety of skin eruptions that it is often misused and misinterpreted. In the United States, the terms “dermatitis” and “eczema” are used synonymously. Here, the dermatitis-eczema disorders are defined according to clinical and histologic features and categorized on a basis of definite etiology and clinical reaction patterns. General rules and specific guidelines for management are given.