What is the difference between eczema and dermatitis?
At one time “dermatitis” was used to describe a skin condition brought on by external factors such as contact with an irritant whereas “eczema” was used to describe a skin condition whose cause was thought to be internal. However, it is not always possible to make such a distinction and the two terms are now used interchangeably. One doctor may refer to eczema and another to dermatitis; what is more important is what type of eczema or dermatitis is involved. In this file the term “eczema” is used in most places but you may substitute the word “dermatitis”.
