Dermatitis or eczema

**Definition:** Dermatitis and eczema are synonymous and describe an inflammatory reaction pattern in the skin characterised histologically by spongiosis with varying degrees of acanthosis, and a superficial perivascular lympho-histiocytic infiltrate. The clinical features may include itching, redness, scaling and clustered papulo-vesicles. The condition may be induced by a wide range of external and internal factors acting singly or in combination.

**Exclusions:** - Dermatitis herpetiformis - Periorificial dermatitis - Cercarial dermatitis