Five Eczema Types You Should Know About
Eczema is a common skin condition that many people have. There are actually several types of eczema. Each type has its own symptoms even though they are all somewhat similar. Here are five eczema types to become familiar with.
1. Atopic dermatitis
This is the most common type of eczema. It afflicts 3% of adults and 10% of infants in the United States. It commonly runs in families. The symptoms tend to come and go which makes this a very frustrating condition to live with. The symptoms manifest as inflamed and itchy skin. It is thought that this skin condition is caused by a malfunctioning immune system.
2. Contact eczema
This eczema type occurs when your skin comes in contact with a substance that irritates it or causes an allergic reaction. Your skin responds by becoming red and burning and itching. This commonly is caused by chemicals found in cleaners or other products like laundry detergent, clothing, perfume and cosmetics. It can also be a result of an allergic reaction to objects like jewelry made with nickel.
3. Seborrheic eczema
This kind of skin inflammation has an unknown cause, but includes symptoms of yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin that can appear on the scalp, face and other parts of the body. It is common for your face to inflame where the creases of your cheeks and nasal fold. Stress, oily skin, and varying weather conditions can all increase the risk of developing this kind of eczema.
4. Nummular eczema
This eczema runs in families, so you might have an increased risk if you have a family history of this skin condition. The symptoms for this type of eczema are crusty and scaly skin patches which are coin shaped. These patches are generally found on your lower legs, buttocks, back and arms. They can be extremely itchy and irritating.
5. Neurodermatitis
This is a very annoying type of eczema that itches but is made worse by scratching. It is a chronic skin inflammation that becomes highly irritated when you scratch it so you can help keep it under control by resisting the urge.
Women tend to have eczema more often than men. It is usually found in people ages 20 through 50. The symptoms can appear anywhere on the body but they are usually found on the lower legs, head, forearms or wrists.
There is currently no known cure for eczema but the symptoms can be managed fairly well. Your doctor may prescribe medication to control the itching. Do what you can to avoid coming into known skin irritants so you don’t trigger an outbreak.