Dermatitis (eczema) is inflammation of the upper layers of the skin, causing itching, blisters, redness, swelling, and often oozing, scabbing, and scaling.
Known causes include contact with a particular substance, certain drugs, varicose veins, constant scratching, and fungal infection.
Typical symptoms include a red itchy rash, blisters, pimples, open sores, oozing, crusting, and scaling.
The diagnosis is typically based on symptoms and confirmed by results of patch tests or skin samples or the presence of suspected drugs, irritants, or infection.
Avoiding known irritants and allergens reduces the risk of dermatitis.
Treatment depends on the cause and the specific symptoms.