Eczema – medically known as dermatitis – is a non-contagious skin condition that can affect people of all ages, on average 1 in 12 adults. There are seven types of eczema, with manifestations ranging from mild to severe forms. The skin is usually dry and often very pruritic (characterized by intense itching), and the urge to scratch is often irresistible. During an "outbreak," the skin shows erythema (it can be red), edema (it is swollen, puffed up), "tight," painful, "peeled," and can even bleed.
In this blog post, you will find out what eczema is and how many types of eczema exist, what its causes are, and what symptoms it has. We will also address the diagnosis of eczema, existing treatments, and potential complications.
Contents
What is eczema?
Eczema and dermatitis mean the same thing and are used interchangeably. Different types of eczema have various causes and treatments. Sometimes, eczema is named after the affected area (e.g., hand eczema). However, several types of eczema can affect the same body area, or one type of eczema can affect multiple areas.
Since eczema can resemble each other, it is important to see a doctor for a correct diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan for the specific condition.
Types of eczema
Eczema is a recurrent condition that manifests in different forms throughout life. There are 7 types of eczema:
Atopic dermatitis
Contact dermatitis
Dyshidrotic eczema
Hand eczema
Neurodermatitis
Nummular eczema
Stasis dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis
Many people use the term "atopic dermatitis" when referring to eczema because it is the most common type of eczema. The term "atopic" refers to a group of conditions involving the immune system, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis ("hay fever"). The term "dermatitis" refers to skin inflammation.
Healthy skin helps retain moisture and provides protection against bacteria, irritants, and allergens. Eczema is linked to a genetic variation that affects the skin's ability to provide protection. Alteration of the skin barrier leads to the penetration of allergens that trigger an inflammatory response, which clinically translates into redness, edema, and itching. Pruritus causes the need to scratch, and intense scratching can lead to wounds and skin inflammation.
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a condition that most often causes itching and redness of the skin. It is more common in children, but can appear at any age. Atopic dermatitis has a long-term (chronic) manifestation and tends to periodically worsen.
Among the symptoms of atopic dermatitis are:
The rash forms in the creases of the elbows or knees
The affected skin may be lighter or darker or may become thicker
Small bumps may form in the area where the rash appeared
Typically, babies get rashes on their scalp and cheeks
The skin can become infected due to intense scratching
Atopic dermatitis develops when the skin's natural barrier is weakened and is generally caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, dry skin, an impaired immune system, and environmental triggers.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs after the skin comes into contact with certain harmful substances. It is of two types: allergic contact dermatitis – an immune system reaction to an irritant (latex or metal) and irritant contact dermatitis – when a chemical or another type of substance irritates the skin.
Symptoms of contact dermatitis:
Itching of the skin (which turns red), burning, and stinging sensation
Swelling of different body areas and crust formation
Over time, the skin may thicken, becoming scaly
Contact dermatitis occurs when you touch substances that irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. Among the most common aggravating factors are: detergents, jewelry, latex, paints, poisonous plants, skin care products, soaps and perfumes, solvents, cigarette smoke.
Dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema causes small blisters to form on the hands and feet. It is more common in women than in men.
Symptoms:
Blisters appearing on fingers, toes, palms, and soles
Pruritus or sores caused by blisters
Cracked and peeling skin
It can be caused by allergies, exposure to substances like nickel, cobalt, or chromium salt, stress, as well as sweating on the hands and feet.
Hand eczema
This type of eczema affects only the hands. It occurs in people who work with chemicals that can irritate the skin, such as hairdressers or barbers, as well as cleaning staff or medical personnel.
Symptoms: itching of the hands, redness of the skin, dry skin.
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is similar to atopic dermatitis, causing changes in skin texture, which becomes thicker and scaly.
Symptoms:
Appearance of irritations on arms, legs, neck, scalp, soles, palms, or genitals
Pruritus, especially during periods of relaxation or sleep
Intense scratching can lead to bleeding and infections
Neurodermatitis usually begins in people who have other types of eczema or psoriasis. Stress can be a trigger.
Nummular eczema
This type of eczema causes round, coin-shaped patches to form on the skin. It looks very different from other types of eczema and can cause very intense itching.
Symptoms: coin-shaped red patches, itching, scaly skin.
It can be triggered by a reaction to an insect bite or an allergic reaction to metals or chemicals. Also, dry skin can be one of the causes.
Stasis dermatitis
This type of eczema occurs when fluid leaks from weakened veins directly into the skin. This fluid causes swelling, redness, itching, and pain.
Symptoms:
Swelling of the lower legs, especially during the day
Itching and pain in the legs
Appearance of varicose veins
Drying of the skin above the varicose veins
Development of open lesions on the lower legs
It occurs in people who have problems with blood flow in the lower legs.
What are the symptoms of eczema?
Eczema symptoms vary from person to person, but there are some signs by which it can be diagnosed. Most often, the symptoms are mild. These include:
Dry skin
Itching (which can be severe, especially at night)
Patches (from red to grayish-brown) on hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, elbows, and knees, as well as on the scalp and face in infants
Thickened, cracked, scaly skin
Skin rashes
Skin infections
Eczema most frequently begins before the age of five and can persist into adolescence and adulthood.
What are the causes of eczema?
To date, scientists have not identified the exact cause of eczema, but many health professionals believe it develops as a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
In fact, the main risk factor for atopic dermatitis is a family history of eczema, allergies, allergic rhinitis, or asthma. 50-70% of children with atopic dermatitis have at least one parent with a history.
Irritants
Certain soaps, shampoos, shower gels, detergents, disinfectants, fresh fruit juices, vegetables, and meat.
Allergens
Dust mites, pet dander, and mold can cause allergic eczema.
Microbes
Certain bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, viruses, and fungi.
Extreme temperatures
Very cold weather, as well as hot weather, high and low humidity, and sweat caused by intense physical exercise.
Foods
Dairy products, eggs, nuts, seeds, soy, and wheat foods.
Stress
It is not a direct cause of eczema, but it can worsen symptoms.
Hormones
Women may experience greater symptoms when hormonal changes occur, such as during pregnancy and at certain times of the menstrual cycle.
Eczema diagnosis
It is necessary to consult a doctor if eczema affects your sleep quality and daily activities, if you have a skin infection (to identify it, look for red spots, pus, or yellow crusts), if symptoms do not improve despite home treatment, or if you have a fever.
A dermatologist can diagnose and prescribe treatment for eczema. To help them better understand your condition, it may be helpful to keep a journal to identify triggers:
What you eat and drink
What facial care products you use
What activities you do (hiking in the forest, swimming in the pool, etc.)
How long you shower and what the water temperature is
When you are stressed and what the triggers are
Eczema: treatment
For eczema treatment, the dermatologist may recommend various medications and treatments:
Antihistamines – to control itching
Corticosteroid creams or ointments – to reduce itching
Inhibitors – to reduce the immune response that causes red and itchy skin
Antibiotics – for treating infections
Light therapy – to heal rashes by exposing the skin to ultraviolet light
Cold compresses – applied before using corticosteroid creams for better absorption
Preventive measures
Hydrating the skin at least twice a day
Creams, ointments, and emollients help hydrate the skin. The best emollients should contain all 3 generations of moisturizing agents:
Occlusives (first generation) – form a protective film on the skin's surface (Shea butter, Cupuaçu butter, Borage oil)
Humectants (second generation) – attract and retain water (hyaluronic acid and glycerin)
Hydration inducers (third generation) – transport water to the cellular level (aquaphyline)
Ivatherm products for skin care with atopic dermatitis: Ivahidra+ A.D Intense Emollient Cream-Balm – reduces the intensity and frequency of flares in atopic dermatitis, restores the skin barrier function and microbiome, intensely moisturizes and reduces the sensation of itching. Glycolic Acid 3% Cleansing Gel – removes impurities, purifies the skin and stimulates collagen synthesis, can also be used by people with sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis.
Avoiding triggers
Identifying and avoiding triggers is one of the effective preventive measures. Factors that can worsen the skin's reaction include sweat, stress, obesity, soaps, detergents, dust, and pollen.
Short baths
Limiting baths to 10-15 minutes is a beneficial measure. Also, using warm water instead of hot water helps control eczema. Choose gentle soaps and carefully dry the skin – apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp.
Eczema: complications
Eczema is not contagious and is not life-threatening. However, in some cases, it can lead to complications:
Asthma and allergic rhinitis
Sometimes, eczema precedes these conditions. Over half of children with atopic dermatitis develop asthma and allergic rhinitis by the age of 13.
Chronic itching, scaly skin
Neurodermatitis begins with pruritus. When the affected area is scratched, the itching intensifies. This problem can cause the affected skin to become discolored, thick, and rough.
Skin infections
Repetitive scratching that damages the skin can cause cracks and open lesions, increasing the risk of bacterial and viral infections, including the herpes simplex virus.
Sleep problems
Frequent itching and the constant urge to scratch can affect sleep quality.
Thus, eczema is a chronic condition that can be controlled through meticulous skin care and avoiding triggers.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
Eczema: types, causes, symptoms and treatment
Eczema – medically known as dermatitis – is a non-contagious skin condition that can affect people of all ages, on average 1 in 12 adults. There are seven types of eczema, with manifestations ranging from mild to severe forms. The skin is usually dry and often very pruritic (characterized by intense itching), and the urge to scratch is often irresistible. During an "outbreak," the skin shows erythema (it can be red), edema (it is swollen, puffed up), "tight," painful, "peeled," and can even bleed.
In this blog post, you will find out what eczema is and how many types of eczema exist, what its causes are, and what symptoms it has. We will also address the diagnosis of eczema, existing treatments, and potential complications.
Contents
What is eczema?
Eczema and dermatitis mean the same thing and are used interchangeably. Different types of eczema have various causes and treatments. Sometimes, eczema is named after the affected area (e.g., hand eczema). However, several types of eczema can affect the same body area, or one type of eczema can affect multiple areas.
Since eczema can resemble each other, it is important to see a doctor for a correct diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan for the specific condition.
Types of eczema
Eczema is a recurrent condition that manifests in different forms throughout life. There are 7 types of eczema:
Atopic dermatitis
Many people use the term "atopic dermatitis" when referring to eczema because it is the most common type of eczema. The term "atopic" refers to a group of conditions involving the immune system, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis ("hay fever"). The term "dermatitis" refers to skin inflammation.
Healthy skin helps retain moisture and provides protection against bacteria, irritants, and allergens. Eczema is linked to a genetic variation that affects the skin's ability to provide protection. Alteration of the skin barrier leads to the penetration of allergens that trigger an inflammatory response, which clinically translates into redness, edema, and itching. Pruritus causes the need to scratch, and intense scratching can lead to wounds and skin inflammation.
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a condition that most often causes itching and redness of the skin. It is more common in children, but can appear at any age. Atopic dermatitis has a long-term (chronic) manifestation and tends to periodically worsen.
Among the symptoms of atopic dermatitis are:
Atopic dermatitis develops when the skin's natural barrier is weakened and is generally caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, dry skin, an impaired immune system, and environmental triggers.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs after the skin comes into contact with certain harmful substances. It is of two types: allergic contact dermatitis – an immune system reaction to an irritant (latex or metal) and irritant contact dermatitis – when a chemical or another type of substance irritates the skin.
Symptoms of contact dermatitis:
Contact dermatitis occurs when you touch substances that irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. Among the most common aggravating factors are: detergents, jewelry, latex, paints, poisonous plants, skin care products, soaps and perfumes, solvents, cigarette smoke.
Dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema causes small blisters to form on the hands and feet. It is more common in women than in men.
Symptoms:
It can be caused by allergies, exposure to substances like nickel, cobalt, or chromium salt, stress, as well as sweating on the hands and feet.
Hand eczema
This type of eczema affects only the hands. It occurs in people who work with chemicals that can irritate the skin, such as hairdressers or barbers, as well as cleaning staff or medical personnel.
Symptoms: itching of the hands, redness of the skin, dry skin.
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is similar to atopic dermatitis, causing changes in skin texture, which becomes thicker and scaly.
Symptoms:
Neurodermatitis usually begins in people who have other types of eczema or psoriasis. Stress can be a trigger.
Nummular eczema
This type of eczema causes round, coin-shaped patches to form on the skin. It looks very different from other types of eczema and can cause very intense itching.
Symptoms: coin-shaped red patches, itching, scaly skin.
It can be triggered by a reaction to an insect bite or an allergic reaction to metals or chemicals. Also, dry skin can be one of the causes.
Stasis dermatitis
This type of eczema occurs when fluid leaks from weakened veins directly into the skin. This fluid causes swelling, redness, itching, and pain.
Symptoms:
It occurs in people who have problems with blood flow in the lower legs.
What are the symptoms of eczema?
Eczema symptoms vary from person to person, but there are some signs by which it can be diagnosed. Most often, the symptoms are mild. These include:
Eczema most frequently begins before the age of five and can persist into adolescence and adulthood.
What are the causes of eczema?
To date, scientists have not identified the exact cause of eczema, but many health professionals believe it develops as a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
In fact, the main risk factor for atopic dermatitis is a family history of eczema, allergies, allergic rhinitis, or asthma. 50-70% of children with atopic dermatitis have at least one parent with a history.
Irritants
Certain soaps, shampoos, shower gels, detergents, disinfectants, fresh fruit juices, vegetables, and meat.
Allergens
Dust mites, pet dander, and mold can cause allergic eczema.
Microbes
Certain bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, viruses, and fungi.
Extreme temperatures
Very cold weather, as well as hot weather, high and low humidity, and sweat caused by intense physical exercise.
Foods
Dairy products, eggs, nuts, seeds, soy, and wheat foods.
Stress
It is not a direct cause of eczema, but it can worsen symptoms.
Hormones
Women may experience greater symptoms when hormonal changes occur, such as during pregnancy and at certain times of the menstrual cycle.
Eczema diagnosis
It is necessary to consult a doctor if eczema affects your sleep quality and daily activities, if you have a skin infection (to identify it, look for red spots, pus, or yellow crusts), if symptoms do not improve despite home treatment, or if you have a fever.
A dermatologist can diagnose and prescribe treatment for eczema. To help them better understand your condition, it may be helpful to keep a journal to identify triggers:
Eczema: treatment
For eczema treatment, the dermatologist may recommend various medications and treatments:
Preventive measures
Hydrating the skin at least twice a day
Creams, ointments, and emollients help hydrate the skin. The best emollients should contain all 3 generations of moisturizing agents:
Avoiding triggers
Identifying and avoiding triggers is one of the effective preventive measures. Factors that can worsen the skin's reaction include sweat, stress, obesity, soaps, detergents, dust, and pollen.
Short baths
Limiting baths to 10-15 minutes is a beneficial measure. Also, using warm water instead of hot water helps control eczema. Choose gentle soaps and carefully dry the skin – apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp.
Eczema: complications
Eczema is not contagious and is not life-threatening. However, in some cases, it can lead to complications:
Asthma and allergic rhinitis
Sometimes, eczema precedes these conditions. Over half of children with atopic dermatitis develop asthma and allergic rhinitis by the age of 13.
Chronic itching, scaly skin
Neurodermatitis begins with pruritus. When the affected area is scratched, the itching intensifies. This problem can cause the affected skin to become discolored, thick, and rough.
Skin infections
Repetitive scratching that damages the skin can cause cracks and open lesions, increasing the risk of bacterial and viral infections, including the herpes simplex virus.
Sleep problems
Frequent itching and the constant urge to scratch can affect sleep quality.
Thus, eczema is a chronic condition that can be controlled through meticulous skin care and avoiding triggers.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.