Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Common Types Of Eczema

By Moses Wright

Many people may be unaware that there are numerous types of eczema. The different types of eczema cause different symptoms and have different triggers or causes.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. Sometimes, people use the term eczema to refer to atopic dermatitis. Experts believe that atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is partially inherited.

An itchy, inflamed rash is a common symptom of atopic dermatitis. The rash may also be dry and flaky or weeping. Of the young children who develop atopic dermatitis, about half will continue to have symptoms into adulthood.

Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that is attributed to touching or being exposed to an allergen. If the skin of a person with an oversensitive immune system comes in contact with an allergen, their skin becomes irritated.

Soaps, shampoos, hair dye, and some metals are examples of common allergens that can cause contact dermatitis in people with hypersensitive immune system. Contact dermatitis can cause an itchy, red, dry rash. Severe contact dermatitis can cause blisters to form.

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.

Another type of eczema that affects older adults is discoid eczema which is also called nummular dermatitis or nummular eczema. Nummular dermatitis causes coin-shaped patches of small blisters. Sensitivity to medication or metals is thought to cause discoid eczema.

Most common in the elderly, asteatotic eczema is a type of eczema caused by dry skin. Asteatotic eczema can 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 of the types of eczema that can be severe is called dyshidrotic eczema. The rash associated with dyshidrotic eczema is severely itchy, painful, and can cause blisters and cracks in the skin. Dyshidrotic eczema affects people who have a family or personal medical history of asthma, eczema, or hay fever.

Irritation of the nerves can cause a type of eczema called neurodermatitis. The symptom of neurodermatitis is intense, persistent itchiness.

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