The key difference between eczema and dermatitis is that eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy rashes and bumpy skin, most commonly on the wrists, face, feet and hands, while dermatitis is a skin condition that causes red rashes and itchiness, most commonly on the joints such as knees, elbows, and around the neck.
Eczema and dermatitis are two different types of skin conditions. These two skin conditions may have similar characteristics, such as rashes on the skin, itchiness, etc. Moreover, these skin conditions are associated with each other. This is because eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a type of dermatitis. However, they are different skin conditions with completely different triggers.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Eczema
3. What is Dermatitis
4. Similarities – Eczema and Dermatitis
5. Impetigo vs Herpes in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Eczema and Dermatitis
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition in which patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough in texture. It affects approximately 31.6 million people in the United States, which equals more than 10% of the U.S. population. Eczema is not contagious. Moreover, eczema can be triggered by allergens, toxic chemicals, injuries, bites, infections (herpes virus infection), weather, skin type, hot showers taken over a long period of time, and the usage of uncomfortable fabric. The typical symptoms of this condition may include a burning sensation, sensitivity to sunlight, red rashes on the skin, itchiness, stinging feeling or sensation, liquid-filled blisters, tight skin, cracked skin, open sores, and swelling.
Figure 01: Eczema
Moreover, eczema can be diagnosed through medical history, physical symptoms evaluation, allergy test, blood test, and skin biopsy. Furthermore, treatment options for eczema may include applying moisturizers, applying topical medications (topical steroids), oral medications (anti-inflammatory medicines) like antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce itchiness and swelling, immunosuppressant, light therapy, and avoiding triggers.
What is Dermatitis?
Dermatitis is the inflammation of the skin. It is generally characterized by itchiness, redness, and a rash. There are different types of dermatitis, such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, etc. This condition can be triggered by environmental and genetic factors, filaggrin decrease, food allergies, weak immune system, and infections. Moreover, dermatitis has symptoms such as skin rashes, dry skin patches, itchiness, skin sores, bumps or lumps, fluid-filled blisters, rashes on oily areas of the skin, and redness of the skin.
Figure 02: Dermatitis
Moreover, dermatitis can be diagnosed through family history, physical examination, skin biopsy, and patch testing. Furthermore, the treatment options for dermatitis may include medications to reduce allergies and itchiness (antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), phototherapy, topical medications (steroid) like hydrocortisone to relieve itchiness and inflammation, creams for dry skin, oatmeal baths, alternative therapy such as acupuncture, meditation, massage, yoga, and dietary changes.
What are the Similarities Between Eczema and Dermatitis?
- Eczema and dermatitis are two associated skin conditions.
- Eczema is a type of dermatitis called atopic dermatitis.
- Both these skin conditions may have similar characteristics, such as rashes on the skin, itchiness, etc.
- They can be diagnosed through physical examination and skin biopsies.
- They are treated through topical medications and therapies.
What is the Difference Between Eczema and Dermatitis?
Eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy rashes and bumpy skin and most commonly occurs on the wrists, face, feet, and hands, while dermatitis is a skin condition that causes red rashes and itchiness and most commonly occurs on the joints of the body such as knees, elbows, and around the neck. This is the key difference between eczema and dermatitis. Furthermore, eczema is triggered by allergens, toxic chemicals, injuries, bites, infections (herpes virus infection), weather, skin type, hot showers taken over a long period of time and usage of uncomfortable fabric. On the other hand, dermatitis is triggered by environmental and genetic factors, filaggrin decrease, food allergies, weak immune system and infections.
The following table summarizes the difference between eczema and dermatitis.
Summary – Eczema vs Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a general term used to describe a common skin irritation or inflammation. There are different types of dermatitis, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis etc. Therefore, eczema and dermatitis are two associated skin conditions. Eczema causes itchy rashes and bumpy skin, commonly on the wrists, face, feet and hands, while dermatitis causes red rashes and itchiness, commonly on the joints of the body such as knees, elbows, and around the neck. This summarizes the difference between eczema and dermatitis.
Reference:
1. “Eczema: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic.
2. “Dermatitis.” Mayo Clinic.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Eczema” By BruceBlaus – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Human hand with dermatitis” By James Heilman, MD – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia