Eczema is a general term. It refers to an inflammatory process in the skin and can present in a variety of forms. Acute eczema presents with redness and blisters. Poison ivy is acute eczema. Subacute eczema presents with redness and scaling. Stasis dermatitis, contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis commonly present as subacute eczema. The terms dermatitis and eczema are often used interchangeably. Eczema refers to an inflammatory process primarily involving the first layer of the skin. Dermatitis simply means inflammation of the skin by any cause. These diseases are treated with oral or topical steroids and antibiotics.

Acute contact dermatitis showing small blisters. This is a case of poison ivy.

Sub acute eczema showing redness and scaling. This is a case of stasis dermatitis due to poor venus drainage.

Chronic eczema showing redness scaling and skin thickening. This is a case of atopic dermatitis.