Types Of Eczema & How To Manage Your Eczema
Almost everyone experiences a type of eczema at least once in their lifetime.
It is important to understand the various types of eczema so that you can determine the best treatment plan and when you should see a board-certified dermatologist. This article will provide an overview of the various types of eczema and when to contact a dermatologist for additional treatment options.
What is Eczema?
The word “eczema” has two meanings. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, it can mean either of the following:
A group of conditions that cause inflamed, irritated, and often itchy skin
Any one of the conditions within this group, such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or stasis dermatitis
Types & Treatments for Eczema
Below you will find information about the different types and treatment options for this common skin condition.
1. Atopic Dermatitis
1 in 10 Americans has atopic dermatitis (AD). It affects people of all ages, from newborns to adults 65+ years and older. As the most common form of eczema, most individuals with AD develop symptoms by five years. The most common symptom is an extremely itchy rash that seems to come and go. There are a lot of misconceptions about this condition.
MYTH - You can eliminate AD by finding and eliminating the one thing causing it.
TRUTH - Years of research show that this is a complex disease, and unfortunately, there are no quick fixes.
MYTH - Children will outgrow AD.
TRUTH - Although many children do outgrow this condition, the truth is that AD can be a lifelong condition.
MYTH - Cut down on bathing to reduce flare-ups.
TRUTH - Many believe that because AD causes extremely dry skin, taking fewer baths and showers will help alleviate the symptoms. Research has shown that this is not true.
2. Contact Dermatitis
Almost everyone has experienced this type of eczema at least once in their lifetime. When something that skin touches causes a rash, it’s called contact dermatitis. There are several different types of contact dermatitis, including:
Allergic contact dermatitis - Some people have an allergic skin reaction when their skin comes into contact with certain things such as poison ivy, nickel, make-up, jewelry (whether they’ve worn it a long or short time), and latex gloves.
Irritant contact dermatitis - This type of contact dermatitis is more common and develops when something irritates the skin. A person diagnosed with the following has contact dermatitis: diaper rash, acid burn, dry or cracked hands due to frequent washing, or irritated skin around the mouth. It could also be caused by touching toxic substances such as battery acid, bleach, or pepper spray.
3. Dyshidrotic Eczema
While this form of eczema may look contagious, you cannot catch dyshidrotic eczema from others. This type of eczema's hallmark symptoms are tiny, intensely itchy blisters on the hands or feet called pompholyx. The blisters of dyshidrotic eczema can last for three to four weeks before clearing up. While some people never develop these blisters again, this form of eczema can be lifelong and debilitating.
The good news is that dermatologists can help many people identify what triggers their blisters, which helps to reduce future flare-ups. Using personal care products like shampoo or soap or coming into contact with nickel or cobalt can trigger flare-ups. Stress, sweat, and rising temperatures are also common triggers for dyshidrotic eczema.
4. Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis often starts with an itch that develops anywhere on the surface of the body. Usually, an itchy patch develops on an arm, leg, or the back of the neck and can also occur in the anal and genital areas. The itch can be so intense that a person scratches or rubs the itchy patch frequently. The irritation can come and go. For most people, the area feels itchiest when they are relaxing or sleeping. The itch causes people to scratch or rub the irritated area while sleeping.
5. Nummular Dermatitis
Individuals who have this skin problem see distinct, coin-shaped (nummular) or oval sores on their skin. Nummular dermatitis often appears after a skin injury, such as a burn, abrasion (from friction), or insect bite. A person can have one or many patches, and the patches can last for weeks or months. Interestingly, men tend to experience this condition more than women, and they usually have their first outbreak between the ages of 55 and 65. However, women tend to be teenagers or young adults when they experience their first outbreak.
6. Stasis Dermatitis
This type of eczema generally occurs in individuals who have poor blood flow. Because of low blood flow, this condition usually develops in the lower legs near the ankles. While it can occur in other parts of the body, it is rare. While stasis dermatitis is not contagious, it is common. According to AAD.org, about 15 to 20 million people over 50 years of age live with the disease in the United States.
Stasis dermatitis has several names, including gravitational dermatitis, venous eczema, or varicose eczema.
These additional names help describe what is going on in the body and why this condition occurs. As we age, our body’s valves, particularly in our lower legs, can begin to weaken. When this happens, some fluid can leak out of the valves and stay in the legs causing them to swell. This condition is known as venous insufficiency. While the risk of developing venous insufficiency increases with age, this condition can also occur after a nasty leg injury, a blood clot in your leg, or surgery.
If you have been diagnosed with venous insufficiency, dermatologists recommend that you be under a doctor’s care for this condition. Treatment and healthy habits can prevent the condition from worsening.
When Should You Call a Dermatologist?
You should contact your dermatologist if you experience these symptoms:
Your itchiness or symptoms are disrupting your sleeping or daily activities.
You are experiencing new symptoms associated with your eczema.
The duration of time between flare-ups is getting shorter.
Your eczema seems to be getting worse.
Your eczema seems to be spreading to new locations.
You’re experiencing signs and symptoms of a possible infection. Eczema puts you at higher risk for staph infections. Because staph bacteria grow on your skin, they can infect any open areas of skin.
Remember, while eczema can be a lifelong condition, treatment options are available to ensure that you can continue to enjoy your daily activities and reduce the number of outbreaks.
