Common Types Of Eczema
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| Do You Know About The Most Common Types Of Eczema? |
Eczema is an inflammatory condition of your skin. It causes the formation of red patches or papules and itching. It is more common in people with other allergic conditions such as asthma or hay fever. It is not a contagious disease. The term eczema is derived from the Greek word which means “boiling”.
Common Types Of Eczema
Here we’ll discuss the most common types of eczema,
Atopic Eczema
Atopic eczema is caused by a
combination of immunological, genetic, and environmental factors. It is more
common in childhood. Certain factors such as soaps, detergents, foods,
irritants, extreme temperature or cold, and stress can aggravate this condition.
Stasis Eczema
Stasis eczema is manifested by
the formation of scaly red patches. These patches are limited to the lower leg.
Other symptoms of stasis eczema are extreme leg discomfort, skin discoloration, and edema. Other terms used for stasis eczema are stasis dermatitis,
gravitational dermatitis, or varicose eczema. There is a link between stasis
eczema and circulatory problems.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition confined
to the areas in which sebum production is very high due to the overgrowth of
yeast Malassezia furfur. Seborrheic dermatitis is manifested by the development
of pink yellow greasy patches.
Discoid Eczema
In this type of eczema, diffused
coin-shaped circular red patches appear on the skin. It is also known as
nummular dermatitis (coin-shaped). It can affect both males and females but males
of middle ages are more prone to the development of discoid eczema. It is a
long-term or chronic inflammatory condition. The most commonly involved triggering agent in causing discoid eczema is extremely dry skin.
Contact Dermatitis
If eczema occurs after coming
in contact with a particular substance, then it is termed contact
dermatitis. There are two main types of contact dermatitis,
- Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)
- Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD)
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
If the allergic hypersensitivity reaction occurs as a response of your immune system to an antigen, then it is termed allergic contact dermatitis. Commonly involved antigens are plants (poison ivory), fragrances, metals (nickel and cobalt), rubber compounds, neomycin, and hair dyes.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
In this type of eczema, the
permeability of your skin epidermis is disturbed. It is also termed occupational dermatitis because your occupation is the major risk factor involved in irritant contact dermatitis.
Builders, hairdressers, gardeners, healthcare workers, and chefs are more prone
to the development of irritant contact dermatitis.
Asteatotic Eczema
Asteatotic eczema is manifested
by pruritic, dry, or cracked red or inflamed skin mainly on the lower leg. It is also called eczema craquele. Extreme
weather such as very cold and dry hot atmospheres can cause this condition.
People with certain medical conditions such as nephrotic syndrome,
hypothyroidism, and lymphoma are at higher risk for the development of asteatotic eczema.
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is manifested by
the formation of scaly patches, particularly on the forearms, wrists, head, ankles,
vulva, scrotum or anus, and lower legs. These patches cause chronic or severe
itching. Women are more prone to the development of neurodermatitis than men.