Is eczema the same as dermatitis?

Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin and eczema is the most common form of it, so the words are used almost interchangeably. What matters clinically is which type you have — atopic, contact, seborrhoeic or dyshidrotic — because they're triggered differently.

Should I stop using my steroid cream?

Not on your own. Topical corticosteroids control inflammation that damages the skin further if it's left running, and stopping abruptly often causes a rebound. Your naturopath works alongside whoever prescribed it, on the barrier and the triggers.

Is it caused by food?

Sometimes, particularly in young children, and much less often in adults than the internet suggests. Removing foods speculatively narrows a diet for no gain, so triggers are identified deliberately — with structured reintroduction — rather than assumed.

Eczema Naturopath Melbourne | Dermatitis Support

Eczema is inflamed, itchy skin with a barrier that doesn’t hold moisture the way it should. Dermatitis is the broader word for skin inflammation; eczema is its most common form.

Two things are usually happening at once: the barrier is leaking water out and letting irritants in, and the immune system is reacting to what gets through. Both are worth working on, and working on only one is why some approaches stall.

What your naturopath assesses

Which type it is. Atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and dyshidrotic eczema look similar and are triggered differently.

The barrier itself — how it’s washed, what’s used on it, water temperature, and how consistently it’s moisturised. This is unglamorous and it’s often the part doing the most work.

Triggers in your own pattern. Detergents, fragrance, nickel, heat, sweat, wool, dust mite and stress are common. Food is a genuine trigger for some people, particularly young children, and much less often in adults than is assumed.

Nutrient status, including zinc, vitamin D and essential fatty acids, tested where the picture suggests it rather than supplemented blindly.

Gut health, given how much immune tissue sits there, and what a recent course of antibiotics may have changed.

Sleep and stress, which affect the itch–scratch cycle directly and are part of why flares cluster in hard weeks.

⚠ Skin that needs medical care

Skin that’s weeping, crusting, spreading quickly or painful, with fever or feeling unwell, may be infected and needs assessment now rather than a booking. Eczema that covers a large area, isn’t responding to prescribed treatment, or is stopping you sleeping should be reviewed medically.

Where a dermatology opinion is the next step, we’ll provide a detailed letter setting out the findings and recommendations, including who we believe is best suited to your needs.

Who you’d see

Jessica Pensa works across skin, thyroid, autoimmune and hormonal conditions. Allie Sanderson works across gut health, skin, hormones, energy and stress.

Eczema and dermatitis