Eczema (cont.)
What are the different types of eczema?
Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema, and
sometimes people use the two terms interchangeably. But there are many terms
used to describe specific forms of eczema that may have very similar symptoms to
atopic dermatitis. These are listed and briefly described below.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease
characterized by itchy, inflamed skin. Atopic dermatitis is believed to be
caused by an abnormal function of the body's immune system. The condition tends
to come and go, depending upon exposures to triggers or causative factors. The
most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis, affects about 10% of infants and
3% of adults in the U.S. Around two-thirds of those who develop the condition do
so prior to age 1. When the disease starts in infancy, it is sometimes
termed infantile eczema. Atopic dermatitis tends to run in families, and people
who develop the condition often have a family history of allergic conditions
such as asthma or hay fever.
Contact eczema
Contact eczema (contact dermatitis) is a localized reaction that includes
redness, itching, and burning where the skin has come into contact with an
allergen (an allergy-causing substance to which an individual is sensitized) or
with a general irritant such as an acid, a cleaning agent, or other chemical.
Other examples of contact eczema include reactions to laundry detergents, nickel
(present in jewelry), cosmetics, fabrics, clothing, and perfume. Due to the vast
number of substances with which individuals have contact, it can be difficult to
determine the trigger for contact dermatitis. The condition is sometimes
referred to as allergic contact eczema (allergic contact dermatitis) if the
trigger is an allergen and irritant contact eczema (irritant contact dermatitis)
if the trigger is an irritant. Skin reactions to poison ivy and poison sumac are
examples of allergic contact eczema. People who have a history of allergies have
an increased risk for developing contact eczema.
Seborrheic eczema
Seborrheic eczema (seborrheic dermatitis) is a form of
skin inflammation of unknown cause. The signs and symptoms of seborrheic eczema
include yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face, and
occasionally other parts of the body.
Dandruff and "cradle cap"
in infants are examples of seborrheic eczema. It is commonplace for seborrheic
dermatitis to inflame the face at the creases of the cheeks and/or the nasal
folds. Seborrheic dermatitis is not necessarily associated with itching. This
condition tends to run in families. Emotional stress, oily skin, infrequent
shampooing, and weather conditions may all increase a person's risk of
developing seborrheic eczema. One type of seborrheic eczema is also common in
people with AIDS.
Nummular eczema
Nummular eczema (nummular dermatitis) is characterized
by coin-shaped patches of irritated skin—most commonly located on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower
legs—that may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy. This form of eczema is
relatively uncommon and occurs most frequently in elderly men. Nummular eczema
is usually a chronic condition. A personal or family history of atopic
dermatitis, asthma, or allergies increases the risk of developing the condition.
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis, also known as lichen simplex chronicus, is a chronic skin
inflammation caused by a scratch-itch cycle that begins with a localized itch
(such as an insect bite) that becomes intensely irritated when scratched. Women
are more commonly affected by neurodermatitis than men, and the condition is
most frequent in people aged 20-50. This form of eczema results in scaly patches
of skin on the head, lower legs, wrists, or forearms. Over time, the skin can
become thickened and leathery. Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of
neurodermatitis.
Stasis dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis is a skin irritation on the lower
legs, generally related to the circulatory problem known as venous
insufficiency, in which the function of the valves within the veins has been
compromised. Stasis dermatitis occurs almost exclusively in middle-aged and
elderly people, with approximately 6%-7% of the population over age 50 being
affected by the condition. The risk of developing stasis dermatitis increases
with advancing age. Symptoms include itching and/or reddish-brown discoloration
of the skin on one or both legs. Progression of the condition can lead to the
blistering, oozing skin lesions seen with other forms of eczema, and ulcers may
develop in affected areas. The chronic circulatory problems lead to an increase
in fluid buildup (edema) in the
legs. Stasis dermatitis has also been referred to as varicose eczema.
Dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema (dyshidrotic dermatitis) is an
irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of the feet characterized
by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn. The cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown. Dyshidrotic
eczema is also known as vesicular palmoplantar dermatitis, dyshidrosis, or
pompholyx. This form of eczema occurs in up to 20% of people with hand eczema
and is more common during the spring and summer months and in warmer climates.
Males and females are equally affected, and the condition can occur in people of
any age.
Next: How is eczema diagnosed? »
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