For your convenience you may also download a Zipped HTML version (50 Kbytes) to be read offline. This file contains the contents list below and all the FAQ sections. It also contains the Help and Guidelines for Subscribers and the Charter of the Eczema Mailing List.

PART 1: ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS 

1.1 Copyright Information 
1.2 Introduction 
1.3 Disclaimer 
1.4 How often is the FAQ updated? 
1.5 How do I get the latest copy of this FAQ? 
1.6 Who wrote this FAQ? 
1.7 What do I do if I have suggestions for this FAQ? 

PART 2: GENERAL INFORMATION 

2.1 What is eczema? 
2.2 What is the difference between eczema and dermatitis? 
2.3 What different sorts of eczema are there? 
2.4 Is eczema contagious or infectious? 
2.5 What causes eczema? Is it an allergy? 
2.6 If I have eczema will my children get it also? 
2.7 Do people grow out of eczema or get cured? 
2.8 What is the relationship between eczema, asthma and hay fever? 
2.9 What complications can arise? 

PART 3: CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL TREATMENTS 

3.1 What conventional treatments are available? 
3.1.1 Emollients 
3.1.2 Steroids 
3.1.3 Antihistamines 
3.1.4 Antibiotics 
3.1.5 Tar 
3.1.6 Zinc 
3.1.7 Bandaging or wet wrapping 
3.1.8 Evening Primrose Oil 
3.2 What dangers are associated with the use of steroid creams? 
3.3 What dangers are associated with the use of oral steroids? 

PART 4: MANAGEMENT OF ECZEMA 

4.1 What can people with eczema do to help themselves? 
4.2 What is the role of stress in eczema? 
4.3 What role does diet play in eczema? 
4.4 What type of clothing and bed linen is best for people with eczema? 
4.5 Are there any non-irritating laundry detergents? 
4.6 Is there any sun protection suitable for people with eczema? 
4.7 Are there any shampoos suitable for people with eczema? 
4.8 Are there any other hints and tips? 

PART 5: ALTERNATIVE OR COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS 

5.1 What alternative treatments are available? 
5.2 How do I go about finding alternative practitioners? 

PART 6: LIVING WITH ECZEMA 

6.1 What physical problems do people with eczema face? 
6.2 What emotional and sociological problems do people with eczema face? 
6.3 Are people disabled by eczema? 
6.4 What support groups are available for people with eczema? 

PART 7: INFORMATION 

7.1 What other information about eczema is available on-line? 
7.2 What books are available? 
7.3 What magazines are available? 

PART 8: THE ECZEMA MAILING LIST 

8.1 What is the Eczema Mailing List? 
8.2 How to I subscribe to the Eczema Mailing List? 
8.3 How do I get help on the Eczema Mailing List? 
8.4 How do I access the archives? 

APPENDICES 

A.1 List of emollients and bath additives 
A.2 List of steroid preparations, in order of strength 
A.3 Suppliers of cotton clothing 
A.4 Mail order suppliers of vitamins and other supplements 
A.5 Other suppliers
A.6 Other useful addresses 
A.7 Abbreviations