What is Eczema?
Eczema is a general term for skin conditions that cause inflammation or dermatitis. It is a common condition in babies though it usually goes away with time. However, for some children, it can continue into adulthood. It can also develop in adults. Eczema is not contagious. It is hereditary and can be triggered by chemicals and allergens in the environment, which is known as an eczema flare. It has no cure, but the symptoms can be managed by medication and identifying the triggers. Different types of eczema have different triggers.
What are the Six Types of Eczema and What Are Their Triggers?
Atopic Dermatitis/Neurodermatitis
It is the most common inflammatory skin disease in young children. Atopic Dermatitis can be triggered by hay fever, asthma, or food allergy. A rash characterizes it; the skin becomes inflamed, red and itchy. The skin may also appear to be dry, cracked, and scaly.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact with a substance that one is allergic to like certain jewelry, plants like the poison ivy, and certain foods can cause the condition. The skin turns red, scaly, itchy, bumpy, and may become swollen.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
It affects the hands and sometimes the feet. It is characterized by blisters that feel itchy and maybe fluid filled. It is usually misdiagnosed because it mimics other skin conditions and a biopsy is needed for proper diagnosis. It can be triggered by sweat and allergies.
Nummular/Discoid Eczema
It is more common in men than in women. It usually affects men in the 55-65 age bracket, women between the ages of 13 and 25 and can also affect children. It is characterized by coin like spots on the arms, legs, and torso. The triggers include medicine allergies, skin damage, inflammation, dry skin, allergies to metals like nickel, and swelling of the lower part of the legs.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
It appears mainly on the scalp. It can also be found on the nose and upper glands where there are oil-producing sebaceous glands. The condition is characterized by dry flakes ‘dandruff’ and itchiness. It can be triggered by hypoallergenic soaps and shampoo, stress, and environmental factors. This condition can be managed by proper skincare.
Xerotic Dermatitis/Asteatotic Dermatitis
It occurs when the skin becomes very dry due to lack of humidity, especially during winter. It is common in the elderly due to the skin’s inability to retain moisture. The skin appears red, dry, itchy, flaky, and cracked. Harsh soaps can also trigger the eczema.
The Allergy Group – Friendly, capable and experienced
The management of eczema requires proper diagnosis to determine the specific eczema. Our team of physicians and healthcare professionals at The Allergy Group in Boise are highly experienced and trained to provide you with the best care and keep you symptom-free. We are committed to your personal healthcare.
For more information, call 208-377-4000 today or use our online form to schedule an appointment with one of our allergist for the management and treatment of your eczema.