Your session is about to expire
Inside Eczema Pictures
Eczema Types and Treatment Overview
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, affects millions worldwide. It's not a single condition but a group of diseases that cause skin inflammation or irritation. Understanding the types and treatments is essential for symptom management.
Types of Eczema
- Atopic Dermatitis (AD): The most common form, often starting in childhood. It is characterized by dry skin, itching, and red rashes.
- Contact Dermatitis: Results from the skin reacting to substances it comes into contact with, leading to a localized rash.
- Dyshidrotic Eczema: Identified by small blisters on the hands and feet.
- Nummular Eczema: Features coin-shaped spots on the skin that may be itchy or scaly.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: Occurs in areas with many oil-producing glands like the scalp and face, resulting in dandruff or scaly patches.
Treatment Overview
The goal of treatments is to reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups:
- Moisturizers: Essential for all eczema types; they keep the skin hydrated to reduce dryness and itching.
- Topical Corticosteroids: Help reduce inflammation during flare-ups; available in various strengths.
- Calcineurin Inhibitors: Prescription creams that control flare-ups without the side effects of steroids; suitable for sensitive areas like eyelids.
- Phototherapy: The use of UV light under medical supervision can decrease itchiness and inflammation for some patients.
Lifestyle modifications play a role—avoiding known triggers such as harsh soaps, perfumes, and certain fabrics, along with the use of gentle skincare products, may be beneficial for managing eczema.
The effectiveness of a treatment plan may vary based on the specific type of eczema and individual circumstances.
Find Top Clinical Trials
Choose from over 30,000 active clinical trials.
Visual Guide to Atopic, Contact, Dyshidrotic, Seborrheic, Neurodermatitis, Nummular, Stasis, and Hand Eczema
Visual Guide to Various Types of Eczema
Eczema, a term for conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy, and inflamed, comes in several types. Each type presents with unique characteristics.
-
Atopic Dermatitis This form is most common among children but can continue into adulthood. It manifests as dry, scaly patches on the scalp, forehead, cheeks (especially in infants), and limbs, accompanied by redness and swelling.
-
Contact Dermatitis This occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, resulting in redness, itching, and burning in areas directly exposed to substances like nickel or poison ivy.
-
Dyshidrotic Eczema Characterized by small blisters on the hands and feet, these blisters are often itchy and can be filled with fluid.
-
Seborrheic Dermatitis Affects oily regions of the body such as the face, upper chest, back, and scalp (dandruff), presenting as flaky white or yellow scales over reddened skin.
-
Neurodermatitis Features thickened patches of skin caused by excessive scratching or rubbing, often appearing on the neck, wrists, forearms, legs, and anal region.
-
Nummular Eczema Identifiable by its coin-shaped spots appearing anywhere on the body but most commonly seen on the legs. These spots are usually very itchy.
-
Stasis Dermatitis Occurs in individuals with poor circulation, typically affecting the lower legs. Signs include swelling around the ankles, discoloration, itching, and sometimes ulcers.
-
Hand Eczema Affects the hands, causing dryness, cracking, redness, itching, and pain. It is especially prevalent among individuals whose jobs require frequent hand washing or exposure to chemicals.
Each type of eczema has distinct triggers and symptoms, making identification crucial for effective management.