8 Types Of Eczema and Managing Skin Conditions

If you’ve been suffering from dry, itchy, and irritated skin, you could have Eczema, also referred to as Dermatitis. While eczema commonly affects young children, it can also be triggered later in life, appearing in adults in their 30s to 50s. 

What Does Eczema Look Like?

There are many different types of eczema, and symptoms can present at varying levels of severity. Generally, eczema symptoms include:

• Intensely itchy skin
• Dry skin
• Skin flaking off, leaving a scaly or rough-textured appearance on the skin surface
• Blotchy or red appearance of the skin
• Bleeding skin
• Blisters that ooze fluid or form crusts
• Cracked skin

If you or your child has eczema, it is important to learn how to manage and prevent uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms properly. The first step is to determine which type of eczema you have.

Different Types of Eczema (Dermatitis)

The different kinds of eczema are:

1. Atopic Dermatitis (most common)
2. Contact Dermatitis
3. Dyshidrotic Eczema
4. Discoid Eczema (also known as Nummular Eczema)
5. Seborrheic Dermatitis (commonly called “Cradle Cap” in babies)
6. Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis (commonly called Sweaty Sock Syndrome)
7. Varicose Eczema (also known as Venous, Gravitational, or Stasis Eczema)
8. Asteatotic Eczema

1. Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis is the most common form of eczema and typically appears within the first six months of life. Normally, the condition goes away or becomes milder with time, but it is a chronic condition and may reappear as “eczema flare-ups” throughout your life.

Typical symptoms of atopic dermatitis are:

• Rashes along the scalp or cheeks (in babies)
• Rashes in the creases of elbows and knees or in the face, neck, and wrists
• Crusted or oozing sores

People who have a family history of atopic dermatitis, hay fever, or asthma are more likely to develop it.

2. Contact Dermatitis

 

Contact Dermatitis occurs when your skin comes into contact with something that irritates your skin. If you suffer from allergies, you may be more likely to experience this throughout your life. 

Contact dermatitis usually presents itself as 

• Red rashes
• Burning sensation
• Swelling of skin 
• Blisters that may ooze. 

Contact dermatitis is further divided into two categories. When dermatitis is caused by skin coming in contact with certain irritants it is known as irritant contact dermatitis. When the skin causes an allergic reaction to a certain allergen, it is known as allergic contact dermatitis.

Some common irritants and allergens that may tigger contact dermatitis include:

• Soaps
• Fragrances
• Synthetic ingredients in skin care products or detergents
• Chemicals, solvents, paints
• Pollen
• Poison ivy
• Pet dander
• Tobacco smoke
• Certain medications
• Wool or other “itchy” fabric

3. Dyshidrotic Eczema

Dyshidrotic Eczema typically occurs on your hands and feet and is most common in young adults, equally affecting both men and women.  If you or your family has a medical history of hay fever, atopic dermatitis, or fungal skin infections, this may also increase your chances of experiencing dyshidrotic eczema.

Symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema are 

• Blisters on the hands and feet 
• The blisters can ooze and be painful.

Once the blisters clear, the skin typically becomes dry and cracked. Certain factors that can trigger dyshidrotic eczema are

• Exposure to nickel, cobalt, and chromium salts
• Stress
• Allergies
• Consistently damp hands and feet.

The triggers may vary from person to person, so if you’re unsure what might be triggering your eczema, then consult a dermatologist.

4. Nummular Eczema (Discoid Eczema)

Discoid Eczema, also known as Nummular Eczema or Nummular Dermatitis, is more typical in adults but can occur at any age. Discoid Eczema looks very different from other types of dermatitis, presenting itself as extremely itchy coin-shaped spots along the skin that may develop into dry, flaky patches of skin.

The exact causes are unknown, but common triggers of nummular eczema include:

• Insect bites
• Overexposed, dry skin
• Skin infections or injuries (such as burns)
• Medications
• Sensitives to particular materials

Discoid eczema can cause symptoms similar to those of ringworm, which is why both conditions are often confused with each other.

5. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis, also known as Dandruff or “Cradle Cap” in babies, is a chronic form of eczema that can occur at any time throughout a person’s life. It typically appears as greasy, irritated skin or as a thick, yellow-crusted patch. 

Seborrheic dermatitis can occur anywhere on the body, but is most common in areas that produce a lot of natural oil. In adults, seborrheic dermatitis usually appears as white or yellow greasy flakes, and in babies, cradle cap appears as thick, crusty scales that are more common on the scalp, forehead, and eyebrows. 

The exact cause is unknown, although researchers believe a combination of factors, such as the presence of excessive sebum and overproduction of Malassezia yeast, can cause the flaky symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis. 

6. Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis (Sweaty Sock Syndrome)

Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis is commonly called Sweaty Sock Syndrome because it is believed to be caused by a loss of moisture and can worsen with excessive sweating and tight, non-breathable footwear. 

Toddlers and school-aged children are the most likely group to suffer from juvenile plantar dermatosis. The symptoms of this eczema usually appear along the toes and soles of the feet.

Some of the common symptoms associated with it are:

• Redness
• Rashes
• scaly and cracked skin

The treatment for it usually involves applying corticosteroids and thick emollients and wearing cotton socks to lock in the moisture without causing any sweating.

7. Varicose Eczema (Stasis Dermatitis)

Varicose Eczema, also known as Venous, Gravitational, or Stasis Eczema, is common in older, less active adults who also suffer from varicose veins. The first signs of varicose eczema may appear as small red-brown spots that appear in areas that are affected by weakened vein walls and slow blood flow, usually the legs. The spots can feel hot and itchy and may sometimes blister, become dry and flaky, and begin to “weep” or ooze.

8. Asteatotic Eczema

Asteatotic Eczema usually occurs in adults over the age of 60 and is believed to be due to progressively drier skin. Patients with asteatotic eczema usually experience dry, scaling, itchy, and sore skin that may create pink or red cracks along the skin. 

As with other types of dermatitis, the cause is unknown. However, some common triggers for asteatotic eczema are: 

• Exposure to dry or cold weather
• Hot baths
• Irritant soaps and detergents.

Eczema Treatment

The first step in treating eczema is to consult with your doctor to determine the type you or your child has, and they will prescribe a treatment accordingly. However, here are a few things that are usually prescribed by the doctor that you can do at home to soothe the symptoms of eczema. 

Use an Eczema Shampoo

Dr. Eddie’s products for itching and irritation associated with eczema are specially formulated for people of all ages. Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo & Body Wash is infused with natural ingredients that help relieve itching and redness associated with eczema. 

It is dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, dye-free, sulfate-free, and complies with the pediatric dermatologist’s recommendations for eczema. Bath once daily with this gentle eczema shampoo and body wash to help soothe the itching and irritation.

Moisturize Skin with Eczema Cream

Moisturizing is an essential part of managing eczema symptoms. When you are experiencing eczema, the skin becomes dry and sensitive, leading to itching. Moisturizing the skin twice daily with an eczema cream can help moisturize that dry skin and soothe itching. 

Try Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream for Eczema. It is a non-greasy, fast-absorbing, clinically-tested moisturizing cream that helps restore the skin’s natural barrier and keeps it hydrated all day. It is free from any harsh chemicals and is hypoallergenic, so it will soothe the itching and eczema rashes without further irritating the skin.

Avoid the Triggers

One thing that can help you prevent future eczema flare-ups is to prevent the triggers. If you know that triggers such as nickel, chemicals in skincare products, or cold dry air triggers your eczema then try staying away from them. 

However if you are not sure what your triggers are then consult a dermatologist they may perform skin biopsy or a patch test to determine the culprit for your flare-up.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment

Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo includes the active ingredient Pyrithione Zinc. Zinc Pyrithione is known as effective ingredient in managing itching, flaking, and crusting associated with seborrheic dermatitis, cradle cap, and dandruff.

Use this medicated shampoo once daily when the flaking and scaling is severe. Once the symptoms are relieved, use it 2 to 3 times a week or as prescribed by the pediatrician. 

Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo for Children is the first shampoo that is specially formulated for babies and children’s sensitive skin. It can be used as shampoo, body wash, and face wash at the same time. 

It uses 95% natural ingredients, which means it can fight flaking, itching, and scaling associated with seborrheic dermatitis (also known as cradle cap) without irritating your baby’s skin.

Conclusion

Eczema is a common skin condition, it is a vast term that has various different types. The eight most common types of eczema experienced by individuals are:

1. Atopic Dermatitis
2. Contact Dermatitis
3. Dyshidrotic Eczema
4. Nummular Eczema,
5. Seborrheic Dermatitis
6. Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis
7. Varicose Eczema
8. Asteatotic Eczema

Each type of eczema has its own triggers and may cause different symptoms. However, itching and dryness are common in almost all of them. Even though some types of eczema may require a targeted treatment plan. 

A few things that can help soothe the itching, irritation, and redness associated with eczema nad help prevent future falre ups are: 

• Use a Daily Shampoo for Eczema to wash your skin atleast once daily.
• Mositurize your skin twice daily or as required using a hyapoallergnic moisturiizng cream for eczema.
• Avoid the factors that may trigger your eczema flare-up.
• Use a Medicated Pyrithione Zinc Shampoo to wash your scalp and skin once daily to help reduce the flaking and scaling associated withs eborrheic dermatitis. 

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