Everything You Need To Know About the 7 Different Types of Eczema

1. Everything You Need to Know About The 7 Different Types of Eczema Have you noticed a dry, scaly, itchy patch of skin on certain areas of your body, like your shin? It may be eczema, which is a surprisingly common skin condition that is caused by a range of factors including stress, genetics, and weather. Eczema patches could appear behind the knees, on your arms, or on areas that are usually exposed to different environmental factors. It may be alarming to discover that you have it, but rest assured, it is not contagious. That said, it’s important to find ways to treat it because it has the potential to become infected, unsightly, and uncomfortable. Also known as ‘dermatitis’, eczema comes in different types. Knowing the type you have can help you find the right treatment for it. 7 different types of eczema Each type of eczema has its own set of triggers and symptoms. 1. Atopic dermatitis This is the most common form of dermatitis, which usually begins in childhood then becomes milder or ceases by adulthood. It occurs when the natural barrier of skin is weakened against the elements. Triggers include dry skin, genes, immunity problems, and the environment. Symptoms include the following: Rash in the creases of your knees or elbows Skin in affected areas may be darker or lighter or become thicker Small bumps that secrete fluid when scratched Infection (likely when scratched) ● ● ● ● Doctors refer to atopic dermatitis as an aspect of ‘atopic triad,’ with the other conditions being hay fever and asthma. So, if you have this type of eczema, you are likely to have these other two conditions, too. 2. Contact dermatitis This form of eczema occurs when your skin reacts to things you touch. It could be an allergic reaction to a physical irritant like metal or latex, or a chemical. The skin will itch and turn red, and in some cases, it may even feel like it stings and burns. Itchy bumps or hives can pop up, and fluid-filled blisters could form. 3. Neurodermatitis Similar to atopic dermatitis, this type of eczema causes scaly and thick patches to occur on your skin. They can be very itchy, especially when you are asleep or relaxed. When scratched, they could bleed and become infected. It usually starts if you have other kinds of dermatitis or psoriasis, and while there is no exact cause, stress could be a trigger.

2. 4. Dyshidrotic eczema This is a type of eczema that is more common in women and makes small fluid-filled blisters form on the feet and hands. The blisters may hurt or itch and skin can flake, crack, or scale. The causes are allergies, stress, damp feet and hands, and exposure to substances like chromium salt, cobalt, or nickel. 5. Nummular eczema This condition is characterised by coin-shaped and round spots on the skin. The spots can be very itchy and become scaly. It is triggered by an allergic reaction to chemicals or metals, or to insect bites. Dry skin and atopic dermatitis may also cause it. 6. Seborrheic dermatitis This is a type of eczema that affects the scalp, causing red skin, scaly patches, and dandruff. It may also affect oily parts of the body, like the ears, the sides of your nose, eyebrows, chest, and eyelids. 7. Stasis dermatitis This eczema occurs when fluid leaks from weakened veins into the skin, causing redness, pain, itching, and swelling. The lower part of the legs may swell up and feel heavy, and the skin over varicose veins can be itchy and dry. People with blood flow issues in the lower legs are likely to experience stasis dermatitis. Don’t let eczema get in the way of your lifestyle and enjoy the activities you love. Reach out to DMK for tailored treatment that should help calm skin and manage your condition. We’re determined to restore your confidence, so don’t hesitate to contact us. Our products can be prescribed only by one of our in-house Skin Revision Technicians, so be sure to find a DMK clinic near you for an appointment.