Glossary
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Allergens
- Substances that can cause an allergic reaction.
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Allergic contact eczema
- Eczema that can develop following repeated exposure to an allergen
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Antibiotics
- Drugs that are used to treat bacterial infections
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Antihistamines
- Drugs that reduce inflammation caused by histamine
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Asthma
- An inflammation of the lungs that may be related to allergy
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Atopy
- A natural or inherited tendency to develop allergies and eczema
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Chronic
- Long term
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Contagious
- Something that can be passed from one person to another (eczema is not contagious)
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Dermatitis
- Inflammation of the skin, which could include eczema
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Dermatologist
- A specialist skin doctor
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Eczema
- Inflammation of the skin causing redness, blistering, and itchiness due to an allergic response or hypersensitivity to internal or external conditions
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Emollients
- Soothing skin products that increase the water content of dried skin
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Flare-up
- An attack of eczema symptoms
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Hand eczema
- Eczema of the hands - also known as hand dermatitis
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Hay fever
- An allergy to inhaled pollen
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Immunosuppressants
- Drugs that reduce immune system reactions
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Irritant contact eczema
- Skin inflammation caused by contact with an irritant substance
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Patch test
- A test to identify allergens that cause contact dermatitis/eczema
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Retinoid
- A chemical related to vitamin A
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Steroids
- Drugs that control inflammation
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UV light treatment
- Exposure to UV rays that reduces inflammatory activity in the skin
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Varicose veins
- Dilated veins in the legs
