Glossary

Allergens
Substances that can cause an allergic reaction

Allergic contact allergy
An allergy that can develop following repeated exposure to an allergen

Allergic contact eczema
Eczema that can develop following repeated exposure to an allergen

Antibiotics
Drugs that are used to treat bacterial infections

Antifungal
A drug that is used to treat fungal infections

Antihistamines
Drugs that reduce inflammation caused by histamine

Asthma
An inflammation of the lungs that may be related to allergy

Atopic eczema
Eczema that occurs in a person who is atopic and born with a tendency to develop allergies

Capsule
A pill in the form of a small, rounded container, usually made of gelatin, which contains a dose of medicine

Chronic
Long-term

Chronic hand eczema (CHE)
Chronic hand eczema: persistent eczema or dermatitis affecting the hands

Citrus fruits
Aromatic fruits, such as oranges, that contain irritant juices and oils

Contagious
Something that can be passed from one person to another (eczema is not contagious)

Cradle cap
Another name for seborrhoeic eczema on the scalps of babies

Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin, which could include eczema

Dermatologist
A specialist skin doctor

Discoid eczema
Eczema that forms as round patches surrounded by normal skin

Eczema
Inflammation of the skin causing redness, blistering and itchiness due to an allergic response or hypersensitivity to internal or external conditions

Eczema attack
A 'flare-up' causing obvious symptoms of eczema

Emollients
Soothing skin products that increase the water content of dried skin

Gravitational eczema
Eczema on the legs caused by poor circulation

Hand dermatitis
Eczema of the hands - also known as chronic hand eczema (CHE) or hand eczema

Hand eczema
Eczema of the hands - also known as chronic hand eczema (CHE) or hand dermatitis

Hay fever
An allergy to inhaled pollen

Immunosuppressants
Drugs that reduce immune system reactions

Irritant contact eczema
Skin inflammation caused by contact with an irritant substance

Nickel
A metal common in jewellery, belt buckles and buttons

Patch testing
A test to identify allergens that cause contact dermatitis/eczema

Psoriasis
A common, chronic skin disease that is characterised by red, scaly patches of skin

Retinoid
A chemical related to vitamin A and used to treat skin conditions

Sebborhoeic eczema
Eczema that is related to hair follicle infection

Steroids
Drugs that control inflammation

UV light treatment
Exposure to UV rays that reduces inflammatory activity in the skin

Varicose eczema
Also known as gravitational eczema, is a form of eczema that affects people who have poor blood circulation especially those who have leg ulcers

Varicose veins
Dilated veins in the legs