Eczema Types

There are many types of eczema. At this point, it is important to know that the categorization of the types of eczema is still quite haphazard. One basis of categorization could be the frequency of occurrence, while another could be the location where eczema occurs.

Yet another basis of categorization could be the cause of eczema. Moreover, because of the haphazardness or unsystematicity surrounding eczema, there are too many synonyms floating around, some of which are inaccurately used. For example, the term eczema, which in itself is a very generic term, is commonly used to refer to a specific type of eczema - atopic dermatitis.

On the basis of the intensity of the eczema and the duration for which it manifests, eczema can be classified into acute, chronic, or infected. The third stage involves secondary infection setting in after the initial itching and reddening due to weakening of the skin cells.

Generally, eczema is categorized into the following:

• Atopic Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis
• Contact Dermatitis
• Xerotic or Asteatotic Eczema
• Nummular or Discoid Eczema
• Lichen Simplex Chronicus or Neurodermatitis
• Venous Eczema or Stasis Dermatitis
• Seborrhea or Seborrheic Dermatitis

Let us briefly discuss what each of these is.

Atopic Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis

This is the most commonly occurring form of eczema. This is seen mostly in people who have a genetic history of allergies, i.e. in whose families allergies are hereditary. Atopic eczema keeps coming and going. A person having atopic dermatitis is also likely to have some other form of chronic allergy, such as wheezing or hay fever.

A sub-group within atopic dermatitis is hand eczema. As the name suggests, hand eczema affects occurs only on the hands of a person. It could occur due to the exposure of the hands to detergents with a strong chemical composition. It could also occur due to repeated exposure of the hands to soaps.

Contact Dermatitis

This form of eczema occurs when the skin is exposed to irritants or allergens. In fact, based on what the skin is exposed to - irritants or allergens - contact dermatitis is further sub-categorized into irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

Irritants contact dermatitis occurs when the skin is exposed to certain irritants. These irritants cause the sin to itch, thereby triggering off an eczema flare-up. The irritants could be anything - saliva, certain soaps, sweat, chemicals, etc.

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin displays an allergic reaction to certain allergens. One of the most common allergens is poison ivy. Other allergens are deodorants, specific medications, chemicals used in certain cosmetic products such as shampoos, etc. Contact dermatitis susceptible areas include the skin on the hands, face, ears, etc.

Xerotic or Asteatotic eczema

This form of eczema is normally seen in older people. It makes the skin drier. As the dryness increases in intensity, the skin cracks. Asteatotic eczema generally affects those skin areas that have lesser oil-secreting glands. Usually, it is first seen in the legs.

Nummular or Discoid Eczema

The symptoms of nummular eczema include the appearance of round patches of reddish colored skin. The irritation is restricted to these round patches of skin. These patches will show up usually on the arms and the legs, and also on the chest area. Nummular eczema is rarely seen in infants, it is specific to adults. It can be related to atopic or allergic contact dermatitis.

Lichen Simplex Chronicus or Neurodermatitis

Lichen simplex chronicus results due to repeated rubbing or scratching of one specific area. This can happen due to force of habit. The areas usually affected are the groin, wrist, neck, or the ankle.

Venous Eczema or Stasis Dermatitis

This is seen mostly in people who have varicose veins. It can also appear in people who have diseases that lead to reduced blood circulation in the lower limbs. This kind of eczema results in swollen legs. It is characterized by dark or reddish skin, itching (which causes the reddening of the skin), and the formation of fine bumps on the legs. The areas affected are the legs - the ankles, calves and feet.

Seborrhea or Seborrheic Dermatitis

It leads to scaling of the scalp and eyebrow regions. Besides scaling, the affected areas may also become pimply. This is also seen in infants, and manifests as a yellowish rash on the scalp. Therefore it is also called cradle cap. This rash, however, is curable, as it has been found to appear primarily due to the deficiency of biotin.

Other forms of eczema include dyshidrosis and dermatitis herpetiformis.

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