The 7 Types of Eczema: Symptoms And Causes

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As the weather changes, have you been itching and scratching at the crooks of your knees and elbows? Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects between 10 and 30 percent of the U.S. population. It’s estimated that 1 in 10 individuals will develop eczema during their lifetime.

Signs And Symptoms Of Eczema

Eczema is not contagious, and is a chronic disease that causes symptoms of dry, itchy skin that can appear like a red rash, with some patients reporting a burning sensation, tingling or stinging. Others report having dry, cracked or scaly skin. On skin of color, it may appear darker brown, purple or gray.

Eczema can come and go over time, and while many children outgrow eczema, for adults it can become a recurring condition that frequently affects different parts of the body, including face, hands, scalp, elbows, the backs of knees, and in the creases and folds of skin.

Exposure to irritants, chemicals and allergens can cause flare ups, which can last from as little as a few hours or days up to several years. Other causes of eczema include genetic factors, such as those who have a family history of eczema, asthma, allergies, or overactive immune system activation.

Treatments (with the help of a dermatologist) may include prescription medication, ointments, moisturizes and some lifestyle changes, such as avoiding harsh cleansers, drinking more water, and wearing protective covering.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common types of eczema. Signs may include inflamed skin, rash, itchiness and excessive dryness. It may also include bumps and swollen skin that may ooze. It usually begins in childhood but can start at any age.

Contact Dermatitis

Dyshidrotic Eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema, also known as pompholyx or hand dermatitis, causes tiny, itchy blisters on the hands and feet. Common triggers include personal care products, contact with nickel and cobalt, stress, sweat and rising temperatures in spring and summer.

Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis is typically located on one or two patches of skin, usually on the feet, ankles, hands, wrists, elbows, neck or scalp. The patches are extremely itchy. Other symptoms include thick scales and discoloration due to scratching, hair loss and bleeding.

Nummular Eczema

Nummular eczema features circular, itchy and sometimes oozing patches. Skin will be red, pink or brown, scaly and inflamed around the lesions.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis usually affects the scalp or other oil-producing glands, such as on the upper back and nose. Symptoms include flaking skin, dandruff, rash and itchiness in the affected area. Triggers may include stress, hormonal changes, cold and dry weather, some medications and other medical conditions.

Stasis Dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis affects people with poor circulation. Symptoms can include ankle swelling, orange-brown speckles, skin irritation, itching, scaling, dryness and a heavy or achy feeling after long periods of sitting or standing.

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