Types Of Eczema

Atopic Dermatitis - This is the most common form of eczema. It is a chronic condition characterized by itchy, inflamed skin, believed to be caused by an abnormal function of the body's immune system. It tends to come and go, depending upon exposures to causative factors. Atopic dermatitis tends to run in families, and people who develop the condition often have a family history of allergic conditions such as asthma or hay fever.

Contact Eczema - Contact eczema is a localized reaction that includes redness, itching, and burning where the skin has come into contact with an allergen or with a general irritant. Examples of contact eczema include reactions to laundry detergents, nickel (present in jewelry), cosmetics, fabrics, clothing, and perfume.

Seborrheic Eczema - The symptoms include yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face, and occasionally other parts of the body. Examples are dandruff and "cradle cap" in infants. The causes are generally unknown and it is not necessarily accompanied with itching. This condition tends to run in families.

Emotional stress, oily skin, infrequent shampooing, and weather conditions may all increase a person's risk of developing seborrheic eczema.

Nummular Eczema - It is characterized by coin-shaped patches of irritated skin (most commonly located on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs) that may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy. This chronic condition is rare and occurs most frequently in elderly men. A personal or family history of atopic dermatitis, asthma, or allergies increases the risk of developing the condition.

Neurodermatitis - It is a chronic skin inflammation caused by a scratch-itch cycle that begins with a localized itch (e.g. an insect bite) that becomes intensely irritated when scratched. This form of eczema results in scaly patches of skin on the head, lower legs, wrists, or forearms. Over time, the skin can become thickened and leathery. Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of neurodermatitis.

Stasis Dermatitis - Stasis dermatitis (also know as varicose eczema) is a skin irritation on the lower legs, generally related to the circulatory problem known as venous insufficiency, in which the function of the valves within the veins has been compromised. It occurs almost exclusively in middle-aged and elderly people.  

Symptoms include itching and/or reddish-brown discoloration of the skin on one or both legs. Progression of the condition can lead to the blistering, oozing skin lesions seen with other forms of eczema, and ulcers may develop in affected areas. The chronic circulatory problems lead to an increase in fluid buildup in the legs.

Dyshidrotic Eczema - Dyshidrotic eczema is an irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of the feet characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn.