What is the difference between eczema and dermatitis?

Eczema and dermatitis, although somewhat similar in skin diseases, do have distinctions. In terms of causes, dermatitis usually has a relatively clear etiology, such as contact dermatitis or drug-induced dermatitis, while the causes of eczema are more complex, often involving multiple factors such as genetic predisposition, immune dysfunction, and environmental factors. Regarding clinical presentation, the skin lesions of dermatitis tend to be more localized with clear boundaries, whereas eczema presents with more widespread lesions lacking distinct demarcation. Dermatitis generally has a shorter disease course, is easier to treat, and less prone to recurrence, while eczema tends to have a longer course, is more likely to recur, and is more difficult to cure. In terms of treatment approaches, dermatitis is often treated according to its specific cause, whereas eczema treatment focuses more on identifying and removing causative factors, controlling symptoms, and reducing recurrence. Eczema and dermatitis differ significantly in their etiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment strategies.