THE words 'dermatitis' and 'eczema' are interchangeable and actually mean the same thing.

Contact dermatitis, therefore, is the same thing as contact eczema and is an inflammation of the skin caused by contact with something in the environment, mainly irritants and allergens.

Irritants are substances such as detergents and solvents that strip the skin of its natural oils, and cause dermatitis to develop if contacted frequently and without skin protection. The condition is more serious when exposed to large amounts of irritants and is particularly common in people who do a lot of wet work – for example nurses, hairdressers, those who work in bars and the catering trade.

Allergens are things to which your immune system can develop a specific reaction after you have come into contact with them. They can be substances such as rubber, nickel and perfumes or preservatives used in some creams and cosmetics. It is not known why some people who are exposed to these allergies develop it while others do not. Sometimes, substances such as proteins in fruit and vegetables can cause an immediate allergic reaction leading to itchy skin swellings (hives) which can aggravate the condition.

What are the common symptoms of dermatitis? Itching of the skin making the skin sore and painful. Cracking may occur over the backs of the fingers when dermatitis affects the hands. The most common areas on which dermatitis occurs are the hands, arms, face and legs, making the skin look red and scaly. Sometimes, tiny water blisters develop which leak fluid when scratched.

The most successful treatment is to ask your GP to refer you to a dermatologist, who can find out which irritant or allergens are causing the problems. The good news is dermatitis cannot be caught from or spread to other people but if your family has a tendency toward hay fever or asthma, it can sometimes be hereditary.

PAUL CRAWFORD Patient representative Acute NHS Trust