Eczema
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin causing it to become red, itchy and dry. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis and is found more often in infants, though it can strike at any age. The face, hands, feet, inner elbow and back of the knees are the areas most often affected and may become worse from irritants such as soap, rough clothing, household chemicals, foods, dust mites and other allergy triggers.
Another common type of eczema is contact dermatitis which comes in two forms - irritant and allergic. Irritant contact dermatitis may be a result of damage to the skin after coming into contact with chemicals. Allergic contact dermatitis may develop after a person comes into contact with a substance that triggers their allergies, such as nickel, cosmetics or a poisonous plant.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis, another chronic skin condition is due to an overactive immune system causing inflamed, thick white, silvery or red patches on the skin. It is not contagious, but is believed to be an inherited condition.