Over 30 million Americans are affected by eczema. The way this condition presents itself is varied, and it can affect anyone regardless of gender, race or age. Eczema is a general term for any type of dermatitis or “itchy rash”. Although there are several types of eczema, there are some common symptoms. Eczema rashes cause itching and redness, some blister, weep or peel. Normally eczema affects the insides of the elbows, backs of the knees or the face and neck, but some types can cover other areas of the body. These rashes are not always consistent; the look and even what part of the body the rash appears on can change.
Babies often have eczema on the face, especially the cheeks and chin. Children and adults tend to have eczema on the neck, wrists, and ankles, and in areas that bend, like the inner elbow and knee. Eczema symptoms often become less severe as children grow into adults. If you think you or a loved one may have a type of eczema, make an appointment with a dermatologist to get a skin assessment and arrange a treatment plan.
Types of Eczema
Atopic Dermatitis – Affects approximately 17.8 million people and is considered the most severe and chronic (long-lasting) kind of eczema.
Hand Dermatitis – Up to 10% of the population is affected by hand eczema. It is especially common in people who have jobs in the following industries: cleaning, catering, hairdressing, healthcare and mechanical work. People with these job types are often exposed to chemicals that are known to irritate the skin and cause flare ups.
Contact Dermatitis is caused when the skin comes in contact with a substance that causes inflammation at the point of contact. There are two types of Contact Dermatitis, irritant and allergic.
Dyshidrotic Eczema – People with this condition develop small blister on their fingers, palms and soles of their feet that are often itchy. Dyshidrotic eczema is twice as common in women.
Nummular Eczema is characterized by well-defined coin-shaped spots on the skin and can look similar to fungal infections like ringworm.
Neurodermatitis is an itchy skin disease similar to atopic dermatitis, shown by thick, scaly patches in areas where frequent rubbing or scratching as occurred.
Stasis Dermatitis arises when there is a problem with the veins, generally in the lower legs.
There is no cure for eczema, but most cases can be managed through a variety of treatments. Learn more about your eczema treatment options by contacting one of our twelve locations to set up a consultation.
