Types Of Eczema: Get To Know More Different Variations Of The Skin Condition

Despite generally being described as simply ‘eczema’ there are plenty of different types, each with its own specific collection of reasons and therapy options. Along with your finest eczema lotions, understanding the different types of eczema could simply make your upkeep that a lot simpler.

‘ Eczema is a catch-all term that refers to inflammation of the skin that is related to skin barrier disorder,’ clarifies skin specialist Dr Beibei Du-Harpur( opens in brand-new tab). We have actually dug a little deeper right into the different types of eczema, since as they claim ‘expertise is power’.

What are the different types of eczema?

Known as pompholyx, dishydrotic eczema shows up as little, fluid-filled blisters generally on your feet and hands. They look like increased pinpricks covering the top of feet or hands or in patches in between the fingers and also toes, and also are exceptionally itchy, ending up being also sorer if they break as your skin tries to recover.

While the exact reasons are unknown, it’s assumed dishydrotic eczema is activated by anxiety or upon contact with allergens.

Atopic eczema

Known as atopic dermatitis, this is the most typical kind of eczema, frequently located in people that additionally have asthma, hay fever as well as allergic reactions. ‘This can be genetic and you might observe your skin gets irritated on the face, in front of the joints as well as behind the knees,’ Dr Walayat Hussain( opens in brand-new tab) of Bupa Health Clinics. ‘It usually flares if you have allergies and also come into contact with soaps, detergents or various other types of chemicals.

‘ Although there is no cure for atopic eczema, your GP or skin specialist may recommend you a particular kind of moisturiser referred to as an emollient. These job by restoring water as well as oils to your skin to soothe and also hydrate it, along with helping to repair the damaged skin.’

Dr Du-Harpur explains that individuals that experience atopic eczema have a lipid matrix that simply is not programmed to grow and establish optimally and also consequently the water-retaining ability of the skin is decreased, which is why using rich, beneficial creams is incredibly important.

Get in touch with eczema

This type shows up when your skin ends up being sensitised to something in the atmosphere. ‘Unlike a peanut allergic reaction, which happens immediately upon exposure, contact dermatitis establishes over a time period as your body ends up being sensitised to something you might have been putting on or making use of for many years, such as nickel in jewellery,’ states Dr Hussain.

‘ Contact dermatitis usually influences your hands, so prevent this, consider what products you’re using that might be bothersome your skin and attempt protecting your hands from them. Your general practitioner might refer you to a specialist Dermatologist who does patch screening, which can help recognize what you’re sensitive to.’

Discoid eczema

This kind appears as really scratchy, flat red patches of irritated skin, typically on the arms and also or legs, as well as is most commonly discovered in senior or middle-aged individuals. ‘We don’t understand just what creates discoid eczema, but in maintaining with various other types, your skin sheds moisture and therefore struggles to provide an effective obstacle versus substances,’ states Dr Hussain. ‘This suggests usually safe substances, like soap, can irritate your skin.

‘ Although there’s no simple treatment for this sort of eczema, your skin doctor or pharmacist can suggest some medicines to aid alleviate the symptoms, together with day-to-day moisturising.’ Read our overview to the best moisturiser for completely dry skin and also select a mild formula for eczema-prone skin.

Seborrhoeic eczema

In seborrhoeic eczema, the swelling normally happens in locations of your skin that are hairier or even more oily, i.e. where there are more sebaceous glands, such as your eyebrows, breast or scalp.

‘ It’s believed that seborrhoeic dermatitis is caused by having way too much yeast in your system or your immune system’s over-reaction to yeast,’ includes Dr Hussain. ‘Your skin specialist can advise some hair shampoos as well as lotions to help in reducing the level of yeast you have which must aid reduce the symptoms.

Varicose eczema

Varicose eczema mostly influences individuals who have varicose capillaries, creating the skin around them to come to be scratchy and also swollen, and also can be taken care of by working with enhancing your circulation.

‘This can be done by maintaining active and wearing compression socks everyday, using moisturiser to help with the dryness and also speaking with your pharmacist concerning which lotions would certainly be best for you,’ encourages Dr Hussain. ‘If this does not work, your general practitioner may refer you to a skin specialist or vascular expert to check out various other treatment choices.