Glossary

acute eczema: Eczema that has recently started or flared up (over hours or days). The skin is hot, red, swollen, itchy and sore 

allergen: A natural or manmade substance which is misidentified as harmful by some people’s immune systems, leading to an allergic reaction.

allergic sensitization: When someone’s immune system has identified an allergen as ‘harmful’ and the person is therefore at risk of getting symptoms of an allergic reaction when they are exposed to the allergen. 

antibodies: Natural substances produced by white blood cells which help to fight infection.

atopic eczema: An endogenous or constitutional type of eczema that usually starts in babies or children who have a family tendency to eczema, asthma and hay fever. It is extremely itchy and is normally worse in the skin folds.

bacterial colonization: When low levels of bacteria are present on the skin without causing any disease.

candida: A family of yeast that can infect warm, moist skin areas, such as the skin folds around the groin, to cause soreness and redness (thrush).

chronic disease: A long lasting health problem that may be incurable. This term implies to the duration of the disease, not how severe it is. 

chronic eczema: Eczema that been present for a long time (weeks or months), and is repeatedly scratched. The skin looks thickened, lined and flaky, and it feels dry, itchy and sore. 

cradle cap: A common minor skin complaint in newborn and young babies caused by a build-up of scaly skin in the scalp. 

creams: Preparations containing a mixture of oil and water that are used to treat skin complaints and may act as moisturizers. They usually look white.

cytokines: Natural messenger substances produced by many different cells in the body, including white blood cells and skin cells. They help to activate defense mechanisms against infection and aid healing.

delayed food allergy: This happens about 6-24 hours after eating the food, and can cause an eczema flare, scratching, tummy pain and diarrhea. There is no simple test to confirm this diagnosis, but a food diary may help, and suspect foods can be excluded under the supervision of a dietician. 

delayed type allergy: An allergy reaction that starts hours or days after exposure to the allergen. 
dermatological phototherapy: Use of light or ultraviolet rays to treat skin conditions.

dermis: The deeper layer of the skin that contains blood and tissue fluid to nourish and heal the skin, and a network of tough and stretchy fibers to give the skin strength. 

disease signs: The outward appearance of a disease which can be observed by someone else, for example a rash, or more specific features such as redness, swelling, blisters and scaling. 

disease symptoms: The uncomfortable sensations that a person feels, for example pain and itching.
emollients and moisturizers: Soothing preparations that help the skin retain moisture and improve dryness.

epidermis: The outer layer of the skin, which is constantly being renewed and is made up of layer upon layer of skin cells (keratinocytes). These grow outwards to the surface where they die and are shed.

eczema/dermatitis: An inflammatory rash, which is red, swollen and blistered, or scaly and itchy. 

eczema flare: When eczema becomes active, looking red and swollen or dry, and feeling hot and itchy.

endogenous (constitutional): Eczema that occurs due to an inbuilt tendency and not primarily because of something in the outside world.

erythema: Skin redness due to increased blood flow in the dermis.

exogenous (contact) eczema: Eczema that is caused by skin contact with an external substance.

herpes simplex: This is the virus that causes cold sores. It can lead to a widespread painful infection in children or adults with atopic eczema called ‘eczema herpeticum’. 

hives or urticaria: This is an itchy, bumpy, swollen rash that looks like a nettle rash. 

immediate food allergy: This happens within minutes to an hour or two, and causes swollen lips, hives, scratching, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting or collapse. The diagnosis can be confirmed by allergy tests.

immune system: The body’s defense system which is made up of many specialized cells that circulate through the skin, blood and glands, and have evolved to recognize and fight disease and infection. 

immunoglobulin E/IgE: A type of infection-fighting antibody made by white blood cells which is overproduced in people with atopic conditions. It can trigger allergic reactions when the body comes into contact with an allergen.

immuno-suppressant: An agent that reduces the activity of the body’s immune system.

infected eczema: Eczema, which has an added infection, usually with the bacteria Staph aureus. Infected eczema looks red, angry, and weepy with yellow crusts or spots and feels itchy and sore.

inflammation: A process where more blood cells and infection fighting substances are present in part of the body. In the skin this causes redness, heat, swelling and soreness or irritation. All these features are present in eczema.

irritant: A harsh external substance or climate that damages the skin.

Keratinocytes: The skin cells that make up most of the epidermis. They contain a tough protein called ‘keratin’. 

leg ulcers: These are non-healing wounds on the lower legs, which may be caused by circulatory problems. Venous leg ulcers occur because of raised pressure and sluggish blood flow in the veins. 

moisturizers and emollients: Soothing preparations that help the skin retain moisture and improve dyness.

mycology tests: Analysis for fungal infections, usually done on scrapings of the skin or nail clippings. 

occlusive dressings: These cover the skin closely and trap the moisture. They can help treatment work more effectively in dry, thickened areas of skin.

ointments: Greasy preparations that keep moisture in the skin and improve dry skin conditions. 

patch tests: Skin allergy tests to investigate possible allergic contact eczema.

pityosporum: A yeast, which normally lives on oily areas of skin. If the natural balance of microbes on the skin is upset, the yeast can overgrow and trigger Seborrhoeic eczema. 

prevalence: The proportion of people with a condition in a defined population. 

pruritus: An unpleasant itchy or prickling sensation that makes you want to scratch. 

psoriasis: A skin complaint that causes red patches with thick silvery scales and cracks. It usually affects the skin over joints and the scalp, and often runs in families. 

sebum: Skin grease which is made by sebaceous glands in the skin. These glands become active at puberty and are abundant on the face, scalp and upper torso. 

skin irritant: A harsh substance that can damage the skin. Irritants are classified as strong or weak irritants depending on how harmful they are. 

skin lipids: Natural oily substances produced by the skin to help moisturize the outer layer and prevent drying. 

skin prick tests: Tests carried out on the skin to demonstrate immediate type allergies. 

Staphylococcus aureus: A bacteria that overgrows on the skin of people with atopic eczema and can lead to eczema flares and skin infections.

steroid atrophy: Thinning of the skin due to the use if a topical steroid or from taking high doses of steroids internally. 

stratum corneum: The outermost layer if the epidermis which is made of flat, dead skin cells (keratinocytes). It acts as the skin’s main protective barrier, keeping moisture locked in and harmful substances out. 

tinea: A ringworm type fungus that can infect the outer layers of the skin, nails and hair.

topical treatment: A treatment that is applied to the surface of the body rather than being taken internally.

urticaria or hives: This is an itchy, bumpy, swollen rash that looks like a nettle rash.

venous eczema: Eczema on the lower legs around the ankles which is due to underlying varicose or blocked veins. 

venous hypertension: Raised pressure of blood in the veins of the lower legs.