Eczema is a type of chronic skin disorder that causes scaly and itchy rashes. Eczema, also known as dermatitis is a broad term used to refer to numerous unrelenting skin conditions. Different forms of eczema differ from each other in terms of their symptoms. Majority of the types of eczema are associated with allergies and some are caused by coming in contact with annoying chemicals, while there are few types which are caused by some medical conditions.
Following are given some of the different types of eczema along with their nature and symptoms:
Atopic Dermatitis
It is a form of eczema which is known to be a chronic skin condition that results in a dry, itchy, and irritated skin. This eczema is common in children as 90% of atopic dermatitis patients develop this condition before they are 5.
There is nothing to worry about this skin condition because it is neither infectious nor transmissible. Atopic dermatitis occur in families as he who develops this skin condition, his family has a background of having eczema, hay fever or asthma.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
It is a type of eczema that develops over time when immune system responds to the substance in contact with a skin. This skin condition doesn’t develop overnight rather takes it time to develop with the recurrent contact of the skin with a substance. For instance, the skin conditions develop when earrings containing nickel comes in contact with the skin or jeans button or belt buckles. However, perfumes or rubber can also cause this skin condition. If you are aware of the substances that cause rashes on your skin, avoiding them is the best possible treatment.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
It is somewhat similar to allergic contact dermatitis, but this is caused when the skin comes in contact with some sort of chemical substances that cause irritation to the skin like detergents or other chemicals. Irritant contact dermatitis usually develops in the hands and one can prevent it by simply avoiding the irritant chemicals.
Infantile Seborrhoeic Eczema
It is most common in the babies which are less than one years of age. It is yet not clear what cause this condition. It is often called cradle cap that begins to develop on the scalp or nappy areas and spreads rapidly. It doesn’t cause itchiness or make your baby feel uncomfortable and disappear on its own within few months. However, moisturizing creams and oils can be used to provide extra care to your babies.
Adult Seborrhoeic Eczema
This skin condition appears in the people who are between the age group of 20 to 40. In the early stages, it develops on the scalp in the form of mild dandruff, but gradually spreads to ears, face and chest. The symptoms include red, inflamed skin that begins to worsen. It is thought that this condition is caused primarily because of yeast growth. Anti-fungal cream on the infected area will help control this skin conditions.
Varicose Eczema
This is a kind of eczema that appears on the lower legs of the people with age between middle to late years. The major cause of this skin condition is the ineffective circulation. The varicose eczema occurs on the ankle areas where it grows and cause itchiness and inflammation. Emollients and steroid creams can be used on the infected areas to cure it. This can become ulcer if left untreated.
Discoid Eczema
Discoid eczema is commonly occurred in adult people. It develops without any prior indications in the form of red coin shaped appearances on the skin. It is more prominent on trunk or lower legs regions. If these are not treated on time, they will cause itchiness and discharge fluid as well. Emollients and steroids are used to cure it.
Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
This is more prominent on the palms, on the sides of the fingers and on soles of feet. Intense rash, burning or itching sensation are common symptoms.
Hand Dermatitis
Hand dermatitis is a name given to any skin condition that occurs on the hands. There can be many reasons that cause hand dermatitis such as repetitive jobs. These require extra care and treatment.
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is another type of eczema that is usually caused because of some nerve irritation such as insect bites or emotional stress. The intense itch-scratch-itch cycle begins when the nerve endings become irritated.
Nummular Dermatitis
This skin condition normally associated with injuries as this appears in a result of any skin injury like burn, abrasion, or insect bite. It can appear individually or in patches in the form of coin-shaped or oval lesions.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
This appears on the scalp of a person having oily, waxy appearance. If this is left untreated, it can spread to the face or even further. In its extreme form it can cause lesions. It is most frequent in cold, dry conditions.
Occupational Dermatitis
It is a broad term used for the type of eczema caused to a person in his workplace. This occupational dermatitis is given this name because the major cause of these is an individual’s job.
Stasis Dermatitis
It is more prominent in the lower leg areas and is caused because of poor circulation. This poor circulation of blood results in the fluids accumulation as a result of which legs swell. Later on, this will result in itching, painful sores and discoloration of the affected skin. Proper treatment is required to cure this dermatitis.