The word "ECZEMA" has a Greek origin. EC means "out" and Zeo means "boil" so Eczema means to boil out.
The development of eczema is a pruritic papulovesicular process. First there is superficial inflammation of the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin), then there is vesication which causes mild to severe itching. The disease progresses from erythema (redness of skin) to papules (small raised areas) with edema followed by vesicle (blisters) formation. It then goes through the stages of formation of watery discharge, crusting and finally scaling. Ultimately it heals without any scars. But if the eczema becomes chronic t here is lichenfication of the skin i.e. the skin becomes hardened and leathery.
There are two basic factors that work synergistically to cause dermatitis and eczema. The first of these two factors is ENDOGENIC (internal) which predisposes the skin to allergy thereby making it vulnerable. The second factor is EXOGENIC (external) and is made up of the various allergens that attack the body and invade it by contact with skin or by inhaling air and ingesting food and drink.