What are the 7 different types of Eczema?

What are the 7 different types of Eczema?

Eczema
September 28, 2018 , Last updated: July 5, 2024

Eczema is a medical condition in which patches of skin become rough and inflamed with blisters which cause itching and bleeding.

7 different types of eczema

  1. Atopic Dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, itchy skin condition that is very common in children but may occur at any age. It is also known as eczema and atopic eczema, and was formerly known as Besnier’s prurigo. It is the most common form of dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis arises because of a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. These include defects in skin barrier function making the skin more susceptible to irritation by soap and other contact irritants, the weather, temperature and non-specific triggers.
  2. Allergic contact eczema (dermatitis) - a skin reaction following contact with a substance/ allergen that the immune system recognizes as foreign.
  3. Dyshidrotic eczema - irritation of skin on palms of hands and soles of feet characterized by blisters.
  4. Neurodermatitis - scaly patches of skin on head, forearms, wrists, and lower legs caused by a localized itch such as an insect bite.
  5. Nummular eczema - circular patches of irritated skin that can be crusted, scaling, and itchy.
  6. Seborrhoeic eczema - oily, scaly yellowish patches of skin, usually on scalp and face.
  7. Stasis dermatitis - skin irritation on lower legs, usually related to circulatory problems.

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Common known causes of eczema

  • Pollen: Pollen is one of the many potential triggers of skin disease eczema. Environmental factors are also known to bring out the symptoms of eczema; these include:
  • Irritants - soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, juices from fresh fruits, meats, or vegetables.
  • Allergens - dust mites, pets, pollens, mold, and dandruff.
  • Microbes - bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, viruses, and certain fungi.
  • Hot and cold temperatures - very hot or cold weather, high and low humidity, and perspiration from exercise.
  • Foods - dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds, soy products, and wheat.
  • Stress - it is not a cause of eczema but can make symptoms worse.
  • Hormones - women can experience worsening of eczema symptoms at times when their hormone levels are changing, for example during pregnancy and at certain points in their menstrual cycle.

Eczema Evaluation Test

Common Eczema Symptoms

  • Dry, sensitive skin
  • Red, inflamed skin
  • Very bad itching
  • Dark colored patches of skin
  • Rough, leathery or scaly patches of skin
  • Oozing or crusting
  • Areas of swelling

You might have all of these eczema symptoms or only just a few. You might have some flare ups or your symptoms could go away entirely. But the only way to know if you have eczema for sure is to visit your doctor so he or she can look at your skin and ask you about your symptoms.

Homeopathy for Eczema

  • Conventional modes of eczema treatments are based on immunosuppressant. They may clear the skin in a few days to few weeks but it would recur as soon as the effect of the medicine wears off.
  • Topical treatments like creams/ ointments reduce the itching and inflammation temporarily but it would return with more intensity. Homeopathy helps to stimulate the body's natural healing capacity and restores the deviated immunity back to normalcy.
  • Artificial Ultra-violet light therapies are known to cause burns but Homoeopathy has no such side-effects.
  • Homoeopathy is non-addictive and can also eliminate the need to consume conventional medicine.
  • If Homoeopathy is considered as a treatment option in the early stage of the disease, then the overall control of the disease in future is much better.
  • Homeopathic medicine helps to deal with stress more effectively and helps control the intensity of complaints during seasonal variations.
  • Homeopathy uses natural medicines in potentized form which is extremely effective and absolutely free from any side effects.
  • In any skin affection there is often an underlying psychosomatic factor. Homeopathy can help treat this factor very effectively without causing dependence or addiction.

Self Care Tips

  • Take lukewarm baths.
  • Applying moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing to "lock in" moisture.
  • Moisturize your skin every day.
  • Wear cotton and soft fabrics, avoiding rough, scratchy fibers, and tight-fitting clothing.
  • Use mild soap or a non-soap cleanser when washing. Air dry or gently tap the skin dry with a towel, rather than rubbing skin dry after bathing.
  • Avoiding rapid changes of temperature and activities that make you sweat (where possible).
  • Learning individual eczema triggers and avoiding them.
  • Use a humidifier in dry or cold weather.
  • Keep your fingernails short to prevent scratching from breaking skin.
Dr. TULIKA JAIN
Authored By

Dr. TULIKA JAIN

MD

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