Denise Stanley, age 15, of Columbus, Ohio, for her question:

WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA?

Eczema is a chronic form of dermatitis or inflammation of the skin. The skin becomes red and fluid filled pimples, called vesicles, may form, or crusts and scales may develop on the skin surface. Eczema, doctors believe, is usually a form of allergy that results from extreme sensitivity to some substance.

The substance that causes eczema may be in something the person eats or it may be found in his surroundings. Most often, persons are found to be sensitive to drugs, chemicals and foods.

Certain substances given off by plants also cause eczema. As an example, oils produced by poison ivy and poison oak cause a form of eczema when they come in contact with a person's skin.

A person with eczema usually finds that his skin itches.

Doctors test the sensitivity of persons to various substances to find the cause of eczema. Treatment usually involves removing the cause.