The terms dermatitis and eczema are synonymous with and refer to types of skin
rashes.
Rashes) have multiple causes. These include exposure to irritating
chemicals (harsh soaps) or those that cause allergies (in
poison oaks, latex and preservatives). In addition there are
many inherited skin disorders that often produce the same
type of surface changes seen in more common varieties of dermatitis.
Careful examination (sometimes including biopsy) is required
to identify the underlying nature of the disorder and plan
appropriate treatment.
