An overview of different types of eczema: Signs and treatment

One may get different types of eczema at the same time. (Image via Unsplash/ Eric Vieira)
One may get different types of eczema at the same time. (Image via Unsplash/Eric Vieira)

Although everyone has heard of eczema, did you know that there are many types of eczema? It's also possible to have multiple types of eczema diagnosed at once. The fact that the condition is not contagious should be noted, though.

It's a persistent skin disorder characterized by an itchy, dry rash. Eczema rashes can have a wide range of characteristics that change from person to person. It may just cause a tiny rash on a small portion of the body for some, while others may develop severe and pervasive eczema affecting numerous large swathes all over the body.

In this article, we will list the different types of eczema.


What are the different types of eczema?

Treatment depends of the symptoms and types of eczema. (Image via Unsplash/Raj Rana)
Treatment depends of the symptoms and types of eczema. (Image via Unsplash/Raj Rana)

More than 31 million Americans suffer from eczema, but no two sufferers of the ailment have the same experience.

Children frequently develop this skin ailment, but adults can also have it. The National Eczema Association estimates that 10% of people experience eczema at some point.

Check out below to learn about the six types of eczema:

1) Atopic dermatitis

It's one of the most common types of eczema, sometimes known as atopic eczema.

Children frequently experience symptoms, which can be moderate to severe. If a parent has atopic dermatitis, the likelihood of their kid developing it increases. Food sensitivity is more likely in kids with atopic dermatitis. Asthma and hay fever are also more prone to strike them.

Patches of dry and itchy skin that become red and inflamed are frequently brought on by atopic dermatitis. These patches frequently show up on the cheeks, neck, wrists, and creases of elbows and knees.

The itching may exacerbate if the area is scratched, and the skin may start to exude clear fluid. Repeated rubbing or scratching can thicken the skin patch over time.


2) Contact dermatitis

Signs of eczema include rashes on the skin. (Image via Unsplash/Addy Mae)
Signs of eczema include rashes on the skin. (Image via Unsplash/Addy Mae)

An allergic response results in contact dermatitis, which is also one of the typical types of eczema.

An irritant or allergen, such as cosmetics, laundry detergent, or plants, is what causes this type of rash, which is an itchy, red rash. After coming into contact with the irritant, the rash may appear anywhere between a few minutes and a few hours later.

The rash should go away in two to four weeks if you can identify and avoid the trigger. Although painful, contact dermatitis poses minimal danger to life.


3) Dyshidrotic dermatitis

One of the common types of eczema known as dyshidrotic dermatitis results in tiny fluid-filled blisters on the hands and feet, which crack, peel, and flake the skin.

This illness may be brought on by many conditions, like atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, systemic allergic reaction, fungus infection, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), or as a side effect of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. The precise reason for dyshidrotic dermatitis remains unknown.

Blisters from dyshidrotic dermatitis may itch or hurt, but they usually go away over time when the skin starts to peel and fall off and the blisters dry out.


4) Discoid eczema

Discoid eczema, also known as nummular eczema, is distinguished by disc-shaped skin areas that are itchy, red, cracked, and swollen.

Sometimes the disc's core disappears, leaving a ring of red skin behind. Children and adults of any age can develop discoid eczema. The reasons for discoid eczema are not entirely understood, just like the other forms of the condition.


5) Varicose eczema

Avoid going out in the sun if you experience symptoms of eczema. (Image via Pexels/Nappy)
Avoid going out in the sun if you experience symptoms of eczema. (Image via Pexels/Nappy)

Venous, gravitational, or stasis eczema are additional names for varicose eczema. Older people with varicose veins frequently experience it.

The veins in a person's legs can become weaker as they age and become less active. Symptoms of varicose eczema, which commonly affects the lower legs, include:

  • blisters, hotspots, or rashes
  • scaly, dry skin
  • crusty, weeping patches
  • blemished skin

6) Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis results in greasy, scaly skin patches that flake off like dandruff. If there're more sebaceous (oil-producing) glands in the body, these patches frequently develop. The hairline, head, upper back, nose, and groin are included.

It's frequently known as cradle cap if this type of dermatitis appears in infants and does not return later. Seborrheic dermatitis, though, is more likely to persist in adults and teenagers.


Best treatment of eczema

As there's no known cure for eczema, the treatment focuses on symptoms and types of eczema and attempts to stop new flare-ups.

The following are some eczema treatments:

  • Emollients or moisturizers to maintain the skin's moisture balance and lessen itchiness and cracking
  • Steroid creams and ointments to lessen discomfort, inflammation, and swelling
  • antibiotics to treat bacterial skin infections
  • Topical calcineurin inhibitors to help decrease inflammation phototherapy, which utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light to fight inflammation,
  • Antihistamines to alleviate itching, especially at night.

If eczema is adequately diagnosed and appropriately treated, it can be effectively managed.

Keeping track of everything you consume, the skin care products you use, drugs you take, and whether you have come in touch with any chemicals, help in an accurate diagnosis. If you have been treating for eczema but not getting better, consult a dermatologist.