Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a skin condition in which a person’s skin becomes itchy, inflamed, and red. More than 30 million people in the U.S. have eczema. This skin condition is prevalent in children, but adults can get it, too. There are The 5 Most Common Types of Eczema, and they can vary from mild to severe.
Eczema isn’t contagious, so you cannot contract it from another person. Although the exact cause of eczema is unknown, it has been linked to genes and environmental triggers. It’s worth mentioning that there is no cure for eczema. However, eczema can still be managed and treated using different eczema treatment.
Here are The 5 Most Common Types of Eczema
1. Atopic dermatitis
This is the most common type of eczema. Atopic eczema often starts in childhood, and the symptoms get milder as one grows old. This type of eczema often causes patches of dry skin that can become red, itchy, and inflamed. These patches usually appear on the face, neck, creases of knees and elbows, and wrists.
A patient with atopic dermatitis should not scratch these patches as it can worsen the itching and even make the skin ooze clear fluid. Some of the most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include dry skin, redness, itching, a rash on the cheeks and arms, etc.
2. Contact dermatitis
This is a type of eczema that happens when the skin comes into contact with allergens or irritating substances. Contact dermatitis is divided into two: allergic contact dermatitis [ACD], where eczema develops when a person becomes allergic to something in the environment and irritant contact dermatitis [ICD], which develops when an individual comes into contact with substances that directly irritate or damage the skin. Some of the symptoms of contact dermatitis include itchy bumps, itchy skin, redness, fluid-filled blisters, etc.
Some of the irritants which may irritate the skin include:
- Detergents
- Bleach
- Soaps and perfumes
- Solvents
- Paint
- Hair products
- Cold wind
- Raw food
3. Dyshidrotic eczema
It mostly develops on hands and feet. Dyshidrotic eczema is more common in women than in men. Some of its symptoms include intense itching and appearance of small blisters. These blisters may become large and watery, and they become infected, leading to swelling and pain. People with fungal skin fever or hay fever are more susceptible to this type of eczema.
4. Discoid eczema
Discoid eczema, also known as nummular eczema, is a type of eczema that has a distinctive appearance with oval or round patches. It can be very itchy. Nummular eczema can occur in people of any age. Some of its symptoms include round, coin-shaped spots on the skin and itchy spots. Discoid eczema can be triggered by an allergic reaction to chemicals or a reaction to an insect bite. Dry skin can also trigger this type of eczema. Additionally, a person is more susceptible to nummular eczema if they already have another different type of eczema, such as atopic eczema.
5. Stasis dermatitis
This type of eczema occurs when fluid leaks out of weak veins into the skin. This fluid causes redness, itching, swelling, and pain. Stasis eczema is also known as venous eczema. Some of the symptoms of stasis dermatitis include itching, swelling around the ankles, scaling, and pain. There may be oozing and infection in extremely severe cases. People with blood flow problems in their lower legs are more susceptible to stasis eczema.
When to see a doctor
Whenever you have any issue with your skin and suspect that it could be eczema, you should see a dermatologist immediately. Eczema may include a new allergy, that’s why you must see a dermatologist who’ll determine what may be triggering it. The doctor will come up with a treatment plan that can help manage the symptoms. You can also use cream or oils such as dry skin oil on the affected areas.
