Eczema, a common skin condition, affects over 30 million Americans. But did you know that there are eight different types of eczema?

You can have one or more types of eczema or skin conditions (also known as dermatitis) at the same time. Understanding each one is key for getting proper treatment and seeking cures.

Here’s a breakdown of the eight types you should be aware of:

1. Atopic dermatitis

Chronic and inflammatory, atopic dermatitis(AD) happens as a result of the immune system malfunctioning. Those with AD usually experience symptoms first as children although it can first appear in adulthood.  Children with AD often but not always grow out of it so some adults will continue to have it and tend to have more severe disease. They may also have other allergies such as hay fever or asthma. Look out for dry, scaly, and itchy skin and rashes on the face, arms, or legs.  

2. Contact dermatitis

This skin condition is caused by contact with irritants and allergens.  Allergic contact dermatitis is mostly specific to an individual.  Some persons are allergic to adhesives in bandages for example, while others are not.  Irritant dermatitis occurs in most everyone who comes in contact with harsh or caustic agents.  This is why many household cleaners advise you to wear gloves when you use them.  Some persons are a bit more sensitive than others and even harsh soaps can set off an irritant reaction. People who suffer from contact dermatitis have skin redness, dryness, itching and even blisters that are usually located where the offending product or material has come in contact with their skin.

3. Dyshidrotic eczema

This type of eczema appears in the form of very tiny but itchy blisters on the hands or feet. It's sometimes caused by an allergic reaction to nickel, cobalt, or salt, and affects women more often than men. Symptoms of DE are blisters and dry or cracked skin, accompanied by discomfort, itching, or pain.

4. Hand eczema

Hand eczema, as the name sounds, is a rash limited to the hands.  In most adult cases, it is considered a variant of atopic dermatitis. Hand eczema is actually surprisingly common, affecting up to 10% of Americans. Sufferers typically have peeling, flaky, or itchy skin and blistered hands.  It can be difficult to treat with some obvious measures such as avoiding harsh products as a start.

5. Neurodermatitis

Also referred to as lichen simplex chronicus, neurodermatitis is visible as scaly, patchy skin which becomes darker or more discolored the more a person scratches the affected area. It appears anywhere from the scalp and shoulders to the hands and soles of the feet.

6. Nummular eczema

Affecting patients of every age and gender, nummular eczema, or nummular dermatitis, is quite difficult to treat. The intensely itchy coin-shaped lesions are often caused by inflammation, but can also be a result of insect bites and allergies. Those with this type of eczema have both dry and wet sores.

7. Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is most visible in the oil-producing glands of a person’s body, namely the grooves next to the nose, eyebrows, and scalp. The term you may be most familiar with for this type of dermatitis is dandruff. The biggest difference with this skin condition is that it’s not caused by any allergy. It can be yellowish in color or crusty white.  It is unsightly but does not commonly itch.

8. Stasis dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis, or venous stasis dermatitis, is a direct result of problematic or limited blood flow in the veins. It usually appears on the lower legs, and patients suffer from intense swelling and redness in the legs and ankles. The problem with blood flow causes pressure build-up, and fluid is leaked out from the veins to the skin. In more severe cases, the changes in the skin can lead to “breakdown” of the skin and a chronic ulcer or wound.

Seek Medical Help For Your Skin Condition at CDCRI in San Diego

Whether you know which of the above eight types of eczema you are suffering from, or would like to get more tests and confirmation, it’s best to consult a medical professional. As leaders in dermatology clinical research, we work with the best doctors and dermatologists in the California area. Contact us today at (760) 203-3839 for a consultation and appointment.