This is the most common form of eczema. Although both adults and children can develop atopic eczema it is predominantly considered a childhood condition.
The term ‘atopic’ refers to a person who is prone to allergy. Most children who develop atopic eczema inherit it from their parents. It is however not eczema itself that they inherit but rather the tendency for their body to overreact to certain triggers in their environment. These substances most commonly include house dust mite, pollens, proteins on cat and dog fur and some foods.
The most common symptom of atopic eczema is itchiness. There is also overall dryness of the skin, redness and inflammation. Constant scratching can also cause the skin to split, leaving it more likely to become infected.
Allergic contact dermatitis
This form of eczema is an allergic reaction when the body’s immune system reacts against a substance that is in direct contact with the skin. The allergic reaction often develops over a period of time through repeated contact. In order to stop reactions it is best to prevent contact with anything that you know causes a rash.
Irritant contact dermatitis
This is an eczema that is caused by frequent contact with everyday substances which are irritating to the skin. Prevention of irritant contact dermatitis is simple – avoid the irritants and keep the skin moist.
Adult seborrheic eczema
This eczema usually affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40. Seborrheic eczema tends to begin with itching and scaliness of the scalp causing severe dandruff. Sufferers of eczema of the scalp will often find that it may spread down to the face, in particular the oily zones such as the sides of the nose, eyebrows and ears.
The skin becomes red, inflamed and flakes. It is believed to be caused by a yeast growth.
Most sufferers of seborrheic eczema will be especially sensitive to chemicals in products such as soaps, bubble baths and some shampoos and cosmetics. These can dry out the scalp even more and thus create an increasingly embarrassing dandruff problem.
Infantile seborrheic eczema (Cradle Cap)
A common eczema condition affecting babies usually less than 12 months of age.
Cradle cap usually starts on the scalp or the nappy area and spreads to areas where the skin rubs together like the elbows or under the armpits. This type of eczema features red, scaly patches and looks unpleasant, but it usually is not sore or itchy. Most cradle cap clears by the time the baby is 12 months old.
Dyshidrotic eczema is a recurrent skin reaction affecting the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and sides of the fingers and toes. It is also known as vesicular eczema, hand and foot eczema, pompholys and housewives eczema.
The cause of dyshodrotic eczema is unknown. However it does tend to run in families. It typically affects both men and women with an onset before the age of 40.
The condition is characterised by small itchy bumps which become fluid filled and very itchy. The skin will also become red, scaly and cracked. Excessive scratching will cause the skin to thicken.
Nummular eczema consists of scaly, red, inflamed lesions, usually on the arms and legs, that are very itchy. It is most common in older people especially if they have excessivley dry skin.
The condition tends to worsen in the winter season when the humidity is low, during times of emotional stress and with frequent bathing (ie more than once a day).
As the condition clears the lesions heal from the inner skin layers to the outer. They look like red rings, not unlike ring worm. It is because of these red rings that nummular eczema developed its other name Discoid eczema.
Stasis eczema occurs in the lower legs of older adults and is the result of a venous return problem.
Also known as venous eczema or gravitational eczema, stasis eczema presents as dry, red, scaly patches on the legs that are itchy and irritated.