Types Of Eczema
Friday, September 11, 2009 by Guest Author
There are several types of eczema. The types of eczema vary by what triggers the rash and the appearance of symptoms of the rash.
The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. Often the term “eczema”is used to refer to atopic dermatitis. It is also called atopic eczema or dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is thought to be at least partially hereditary
The rash caused by atopic dermatitis is itchy, inflamed, and may be weeping or scaly. Infants and young children often develop atopic dermatitis. About half the children with atopic dermatitis will continue to have symptoms into adulthood.
A type of eczema caused by exposure to an allergen is called contact dermatitis. For people who have hypersensitive immune systems, some substances referred to as allergens trigger an allergic reaction.
Some common allergens that can cause contact dermatitis are hair dyes, soaps, shampoos, chemicals, and metals. The dry, itchy, red rash of contact dermatitis can form blisters in severe cases.
Some types of eczema are not typically seen in patients younger than middle age. Stasis eczema is a type of eczema that affects people over the age of forty. The unique cause of this type of eczema is poor circulation.
Discoid eczema, also called nummular eczema or nummular dermatitis, causes a rash of small blisters in coin shaped patches. The cause of discoid eczema is usually attributed to a hypersensitivity to medication or metals.
The elderly are prone to developing a type of eczema called asteatotic eczema. If an elderly person has dry skin, asteatotic eczema can develop and cause painful cracks in the dry skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the types of eczema that most commonly affects the scalp. Dandruff and cradle cap are types of seborrheic dermatitis.
One type of eczema that can be severe and cause blisters, intense itchiness, and deep, painful cracks is called dyshidrotic eczema. Experts are uncertain of the exact cause of dyshidrotic eczema, but people who have a family or personal medical history of asthma, eczema, or hay fever seemed to be susceptible to this condition.
Neurodermatitis is a type of eczema caused by irritation of the nerves. This type of eczema causes intense, persistent itchiness.
Learn more about signs and symptoms of celiac disease and also asthma signs and symptoms to understand the underlying causes of both allergies. Read further on our allergy website.
