subject: What types of eczema are there? [print this page] What types of eczema are there? What types of eczema are there?
Due to the fact that eczema is primarily an allergy-related disease, the kinds are quite extensive and each type has its own characteristics and complications. Atopic eczema, Contact dermatitis, Xerotic eczema and Seborrhoeic dermatitis are the most common types of eczema that are found but there are many others to consider.
Atopic eczema is hereditary just like asthma is. It is the most widely spreading eczema type in the world. Rashes are most common on the head and scalp, neck, inside of elbows, behind knees, and buttocks. Most people with hereditary asthma suffer from recurring flu and asthma in their lifetime.
Contact dermatitis is also very common and most people are allergic to something or the other. A complete allergy profile helps in recognising the elements. Excessive allergic reaction leads to eczema and other kind of reactions. Few of the most common allergens are shell fish, aubergine, washing powder, dust, sun (photosensitivity), pollen and metal.
People with excessively dry skin are known to report eczema (Xerotic eczema) quite commonly. It is a skin condition mostly seen amongst the older generation. Excessive drying of the skin makes it crack, exposes the flesh and makes it more susceptible to infections and gets worse during winters. Rashes are common on the limbs and regular moisturising becomes compulsory. Venous eczema is another type of eczema that is popular amongst the older generation. Caused by conditions such as varicose veins and edema, it is characterised by redness, flaking, skin darkening and itching.
Another kind of eczema known to happen from dry skin and winters is Discoid eczema, which is very painful. It is reported to be a seasonal skin condition that recurs for most people and causes dry rash with clear margins which also oozes. Rashes are also common to something we commonly mistake for dandruff. Seborrhoeic dermatitis leads to dry or greasy peeling of the scalp and eyebrows. It is rarely itchy or irritable, but is common amongst infants.
Housewife's eczema is common for people who live in extremely humid conditions. Medically known as Dyshidrosis, it causes bumps on unexposed areas like palms, soles, and between the fingers and toes. The bumps can cause severe itching, can crack and bleed as well. Housewife's eczema gets worse during the summers and at night when the humidity increases.
There are a few uncommon types of eczema that have been recognised as well. The Duhring's disease is a skin condition that leads to rashes on arms, thighs, knees, and back. It gets worse after nightfall. Neurodermatitis happens in one area which becomes a pigmented patch because of habitual rubbing and scratching. Autoeczematization occurs due to infections caused by parasites, fungi, bacteria or viruses.
There are a lot of other eczema types that are unrecognised because of their rare occurrences. Mostly all eczema diseases start from allergies and then get worse. Simple hygiene and dietary modifications help, though there are enough treatments and therapies available to cure eczema. Research on eczema and its types are still on and researchers are trying hard to map all the possible types of eczema that exists so that cures can be found accordingly.
