Eczema/Dermatitis
Eczema and dermatitis are terms to describe specific kinds of inflamed skin conditions.
Eczema can be red, blistering, oozing, scaly, brownish, or thickened it usually causes itching.
Common types of Eczema/ Dermatitis:
Atopic Dermatitis
The most common type of eczema, atopic dermatitis is frequently described as “the itch that rashes.” Itching can become so intense that it diminishes a person’s quality of life. Children, who are most likely to develop atopic dermatitis, often cannot sleep through the night due to the intense itch.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact with everyday objects — from shampoo and jewelry to food and water — causes this very common type of eczema. When the contact leads to irritated skin, the eczema is called irritant contact dermatitis. If an allergic reaction develops on the skin after exposure, the eczema is called allergic contact dermatitis.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Usually beginning on the scalp as oily, waxy patches, this common type of eczema sometimes spreads to the face and beyond. A severe case, while rare, produces widespread lesions. Like most types of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis tends to flare in cold, dry weather.
Stasis Dermatitis
Developing in the lower legs, this common eczema occurs when circulation becomes sluggish. Poor blood flow causes fluids to build up, and the legs swell. Over time, this build up of fluids affects the skin, causing a rash that usually itches, painful sores, as well as thinning and discolored skin. Effective treatment involves treating not only the dermatitis but the circulatory problem as well.
Neurodermatitis
Imagine an itch so intense that no amount of scratching brings relief and you have some idea of what it feels like to have neurodermatitis. This common eczema develops when nerve endings in the skin become irritated, triggering a severe itch-scratch-itch cycle. Common causes of nerve irritation include an insect bite and emotional stress.
How can I tell if I have eczema?
There are several types of eczema, and other skin conditions can resemble eczema. It takes experience to accurately diagnose these conditions. Without an accurate diagnosis, treatment often is ineffective.
How is eczema treated?
There are many effective therapies available to treat the different types of eczema. With proper treatment, most eczema can be controlled.
Eczema can be stubborn. Sometimes it helps to change how you use the medications or to set aside more time for relaxing activities. Stress triggers flare-ups in many people. Others find relief with stronger medication.
Keeping a diary to learn what triggers the eczema and avoiding these triggers helps others. A dermatologist can work with you to tailor a treatment plan that meets your needs.
