Eczema is a chronic, recurring, non-infectious, inflammatory condition of the upper layers of the skin. It is rapidly becoming one of the most common medical problems in the world.

The skin lesions vary greatly from person to person. Characteristically they will feature dry, red patches with possible blisters. They may also feature oozing, oedema (swelling), scaling and crusts. These may extend into pustules (pus filled blisters) if a secondary infection develops.

Eczema most commonly affects the face and neck as well as the arm and leg folds (behind the knees).

Eczema can appear as a result of a number of triggers and generally subsides when the trigger is removed.

History of Eczema

Eczema is a very old condition, probably as old as man himself. As with many words of western civilization, it originated from the Greek language. When translated into English the word ECZEMA means, “BOIL OUT”.

Eczema first begins as small blisters that are similar in appearance to sago granules. To the Greeks these small eruptions made the skin appear to be “bubbling” or “boiling out” hence the word “boil out” or “eczema” was developed.