If you deal with bouts of itchy skin and inflammation that comes from eczema, you know how important proactively treating it can be. To properly treat your skin, though, you need to know what kind of eczema you are dealing with and what is likely to bring it on. There are seven major types of this condition, each with its own unique causes. All of them can be treated with the same palliative care, but managing breakouts and minimizing the length of episodes will require special attention to the type you are diagnosed with. Here are some basic facts to help you understand your type.
1. Atopic Dermatitis
This is the most common form of eczema, and the one most people think of when the condition is mentioned. It’s characterized by red, inflamed areas of the skin. Usually, it’s clustered at the armpits and elbows, knees, and neck or face area. Children with this condition are more likely to also have food sensitivity, and it is common for children to grow out of atopic dermatitis or for adults to develop it for the first time as adults.
2. Contact Dermatitis
This form of dermatitis has symptoms like atopic dermatitis, except with one clear difference. Patients with contact dermatitis have their symptoms triggered by exposure to a specific substance. That substance can vary from patient to patient. Children with a parent who has contact dermatitis are more likely to develop it. The reaction can be allergic, or it can be an irritant reaction.
3. Dyshidrotic Eczema
This form of the disease only affects those under about 40 years of age, and it is characterized by watery blisters that can appear as part of the reaction. It is unclear what the cause is, but it is more likely to develop in people who already have atopic dermatitis in their medical histories and those with hay fever.
4. Discoid
Discoid is a condition marked by the disc-like shape of the rash that develops. The rash typically forms on the forearms, legs, and lower abdomen in these cases, and as with many other forms of this condition, the itchy skin and inflammation don’t have clearly understood causes. Luckily, they do have clearly understood triggers. These things might cause a discoid eczema reaction:
- Dry skin
- Injuries to the skin like insect bites
- Poor blood flow
- Bacterial conditions of the skin
- Cold climate
- Certain medications
- Atopic dermatitis
5. Seborrheic Dermatitis
When Seborrheic Dermatitis occurs in children, they usually grow out of it, and it’s typically called cradle cap. Many people don’t realize, though, that this form of dermatitis can persist well into adulthood on all the oily areas of the skin, including the scalp and face, neck, and other sensitive areas. This form of the condition is also notable because it can develop a crust of dry or dead skin cells, which sets it apart from other forms and can cause patients to mistake it for psoriasis at first.
6. Varicose Eczema
Varicose eczema occurs in the legs of people who have developed varicose vein conditions and is most common in people aged 30 to 60. Varicose versions of this condition are caused by the same problems as varicose veins—not enough exercise and activity can weaken veins and blood vessels.
7. Asteatotic
This form can be especially challenging to identify, because it only develops in adults over age 60 as the skin thins. There are not a lot of other triggers understood beyond those common to many other forms of dermatitis like hot baths, dry skin, and cold weather.
The first step in treating your eczema is an accurate diagnosis. Schedule a consultation at the Windsor Eczema Treatment Center of Central New Jersey. One of our experienced professionals will be able to educate you on your type of eczema, help identify specific triggers and provide the best treatment plan for you. Call the office at 609-443-4500, or request an appointment online today!
