The word "atopic" describes a group of allergic or associated diseases that often affect several members of a family. These families may not only have allergies such as hay fever and asthma but also show skin eruptions called atopic dermatitis. The word eczema is used to describe all kinds of red, blistering, oozing, scaly, brownish, thickened and itching skin conditions.

Infantile eczema or neurodermatitis, is a skin disorder caused due to hypersensitivity (allergy - related) reactions occurring within the skin. It is characterized by inflammation, itching and scaling of the skin.