What Are the Types of Eczema?

Eczema is a common skin condition that causes red, dry, and itchy patches of skin. The term eczema encompasses a group of skin conditions, including:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Nummular eczema
• Neurodermatitis
• Hand eczema
• Stasis dermatitis

In some cases, seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), an inflammatory skin condition that affects your sebaceous glands, is referred to as a type of eczema. This is because eczema can cause dandruff, but so can other factors and conditions.

In the United States, more than 31 million people have symptoms of eczema. Generally, the skin condition is manageable and treatable with topical creams, ointments, or gels. But in severe cases of eczema, the skin condition can be painful to interfere with daily activities. 

Here's what you should know about the symptoms of each subtype of eczema, as well as ways to prevent and treat flares of those symptoms.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common forms of eczema. It caused dry, red, scaly skin to appear on the outer parts of joints like elbows and knees. 

Other symptoms of atopic dermatitis include:

• Oozing blisters that crust over
• Discharge or blood coming from the ears
• Patches of skin that become raw from scratching
• Changes in skin color
• Inflammation
• Thick patches of skin

Allergens, chemicals, stress, and temperature changes can trigger flares of atopic dermatitis symptoms.

Atopic dermatitis is usually related to problems with the skin barrier, a crucial layer of your skin that is meant to protect other other layers from external irritants, allergens, and infections. The skin barrier is composed of lipids (fats), proteins, and other substances that help maintain hydration and prevent harmful substances from getting in. In people with eczema, there is often a defect in the skin barrier function, making the skin more susceptible to irritants and allergens. 

The condition has a genetic component and often runs in families. Many people with atopic dermatitis also have asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever), called the "atopic triad."

How To Treat and Prevent Atopic Dermatitis

It's best to talk to a healthcare provider about a treatment plan. Some of the most common treatments for atopic dermatitis include:

• Moisturizing creams
• Corticosteroid (sometimes just called steroid) creams and ointments
• Other topical medications, such as calcineurin or phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors
• Oral medications
• Biologic medications, which are given via injection
• Skincare treatments, including wet wrap therapy or diluted bleach baths—although, do not try either of those treatments until after speaking with a healthcare provider
• Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy

Still, there are ways you can care for your skin at home to treat and prevent flares of atopic dermatitis symptoms, such as:

• Keeping your fingernails short to avoid scratching
• Taking antihistamines when you're itchy
• Using petroleum jelly or other ointments two to three times daily
• Considering a humidifier
• Making sure your moisturizers are free of irritants, such as alcohol, fragrances, or harsh chemicals
• Avoiding overheating or stress, which can make you sweat and intensify your symptoms
• Taking lukewarm (not hot) baths and showers and make them short
• Avoiding harsh cleansers 
  

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis happens when the skin touches irritating substances, like nickel or a particular chemical. Contact dermatitis symptoms include:

• Redness
• Skin that feels warm and tender
• Scaly, raw, or thick patches of skin
• Blisters that can "weep" and then crust over

There are several subtypes of contact dermatitis. Some of the most common subtypes are irritant and allergic contact dermatitis.

Anyone can experience contact dermatitis, especially if you are exposed to an irritant in a high enough concentration (such as to bleach or poison ivy). Although, this is usually temporary. People with severe contact dermatitis are experiencing an overactive immune response to an otherwise harmless substance, such as soap. This is a similar reaction to those who experience environmental allergies, like an allergy to pollen.

Possible irritants and allergens include:

• Cement
• Hair dye
• Rubber or latex
• Certain soaps and shampoos
• Adhesives
• Antibiotics
• Some clothing materials
• Fragrances
• Nail polishes
• Some metals found in jewelry

How To Treat and Prevent Contact Dermatitis

What you think may be causing your rash may not be the actual cause, since a reaction can take hours or days. You could also suddenly develop an allergy to something that didn't previously cause a reaction.

Therefore, consulting a dermatologist to determine what's causing your rash is essential. A dermatologist may use allergy testing with skin patches to determine what allergens irritate your skin.

Depending on the cause, a dermatologist can recommend the best treatment. Some common treatments for contact dermatitis include:

• Washing the affected skin with water to remove the irritant
• Using emollients or moisturizers to reduce inflammation and help repair the skin
• Using any medications, like topical corticosteroids, creams, ointments, or corticosteroid pills, as prescribed
• Applying wet dressings and anti-itch lotions

Additionally, some ways to manage and prevent flares of contact dermatitis symptoms include:

• Identifying the trigger to avoid touching it
• Not scratching, which can lead to an infection
• Using cool compresses, oatmeal baths, or anti-itch medicine
• Trying 1% hydrocortisone, which you can buy over the counter, or calamine lotion
• Using a moisturizer or a barrier repair cream after you bathe or wash
• Washing new clothes before you wear them
  

Dyshidrotic Eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema, also called pompholyx eczema, causes small, itchy blisters that usually appear on the hands and feet. Those blisters can be quite painful. Symptoms often flare during stress, when temperatures rise, or if your hands stay wet for too long.

All forms of eczema can cause severe symptoms. But dyshidrotic eczema can be especially debilitating if feet blisters make it hard to walk or hand blisters get in the way of daily tasks or work.

How To Treat and Prevent Dyshidrotic Eczema

There is no cure for dyshidrotic eczema, but treatments may help. A healthcare provider can help determine the cause of your dyshidrotic eczema, which will inform your treatment. 

However, dyshidrotic eczema is generally more difficult to treat than other types of eczema. If other common eczema treatments don't alleviate your symptoms, a dermatologist may consider dupilumab, a biologic medication.

Additionally, some things you can do at home to help manage and prevent flares of dyshidrotic eczema symptoms include:

• Applying medicated soaks and cool compresses two to four times daily for 15 minutes at a time
• Applying prescription corticosteroid creams to your skin after a soak or compress
• Taking anti-itch medicine, such as oral antihistamines
• Using a moisturizer or a barrier repair cream, which can help reduce flares when your skin is very dry 
  

Nummular Eczema

Nummular eczema, also known as discoid eczema, is distinct from other types. Nummular eczema always produces distinctly round, "coin-shaped" lesions on the skin that are often itchy. These circular lesions can vary in size and more commonly appear on the arms and legs, although they can occur on any part of your body.

Typical triggers include stress, environmental allergens, or dry skin caused by cold weather.

How To Treat and Prevent Nummular Eczema

Some ways to treat nummular eczema include:

• Topical corticosteroids
• Other topical creams or ointments
• Wet wrap therapy as directed by a healthcare provider

Additionally, some methods for managing and preventing flares of nummular eczema symptoms include:

• Avoiding irritants
• Using gentle cleansers
• Keeping your baths and showers short (under five minutes) and water lukewarm
• Moisturizing often with lubricants, like petroleum jelly, especially right after bathing
• Taking oral antihistamines that make you sleepy if your itching is very bad at night 
  

Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis, or lichen simplex chronicus, is a skin condition characterized by chronic itching and scratching in a specific area. It most commonly occurs on the neck, wrist, forearm, thigh, or ankle. The continuous cycle of itching and scratching can lead to skin thickening, hyperpigmentation, and the development of scaly patches.

It sometimes occurs after exposure to something that irritates your skin, like insect bites or dermatitis. However, other factors can also contribute to its development. While the precise cause isn't always clear, factors such as stress and emotional distress can worsen symptoms, contributing to the chronic nature of neurodermatitis.

How To Treat and Prevent Neurodermatitis

Treatment for neurodermatitis includes topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, antihistamines for itch relief, and moisturizers to prevent dryness. In severe cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications such as oral immunosuppressants or other systemic treatments to control inflammation.

Psychological support and stress management techniques are also important in managing this condition, so you may find it helpful to work with a psychologist or other licensed mental health provider. Dermatologists can offer guidance and support to individuals dealing with the persistent itching and skin changes associated with neurodermatitis.

Hand Eczema

Hand eczema (also known as hand dermatitis) is a common type of eczema that primarily affects the hands and fingers, causing classic symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness, and, in some cases, blisters. It is often influenced by a combination of genetic factors, environmental exposures, and lifestyle elements. Individuals with a family history of eczema or allergies may be more prone to hand eczema.

Environmental triggers, including exposure to harsh soaps, detergents, chemicals, or allergens, can contribute to its development. This can make it especially common among people who are exposed to chemicals, such as hairdressers and mechanical jobs. Stress is also recognized as a potential exacerbating factor.

How To Treat and Prevent Hand Eczema

Common treatments for hand eczema include topical steroids to reduce inflammation and itching and regular use of moisturizers to help prevent dryness. It is important to identify and avoid substances that worsen your symptoms, such as irritants or allergens. Implementing protective measures, such as wearing gloves and practicing proper hand hygiene with mild soaps, are also recommended. Using these measures can help protect your skin's natural barrier.

Stasis Dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis (also called venous stasis) is usually a symptom of an underlying health condition. Specifically, stasis dermatitis can indicate problems with blood flow, such as chronic venous insufficiency. In addition to red, itchy, flaky skin, ankles may swell and blisters may develop into ulcers.

How To Treat and Prevent Stasis Dermatitis

You'll need to find and treat the underlying cause to treat stasis dermatitis. To do so, first consult your primary healthcare provider and let them know that you think you have stasis dermatitis. They may refer you to a cardiologist, which is a medical doctor who treats conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels.

Your healthcare provider may recommend that you try some of the following techniques to improve your blood flow:

• Elevating your legs
• Regularly exercising, such walking for 10 minutes for every hour of sitting or standing
• Wearing compression stockings to help reduce swelling
• Avoiding consuming foods that are high in salt, which can cause water retention

As with other types of eczema, applying lotion to the affected skin can help alleviate painful symptoms.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition that affects your sebaceous glands, which are the glands within your hair follicles that produce sebum. It is more commonly known as dandruff when it appears on your scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis often appears in infancy, also called "cradle cap," in babies, and can recur throughout adolescence and adulthood. It is sometimes referred to as a type of eczema, but conditions other than eczema (such as a fungal infection) can cause it.

Seborrheic dermatitis can appear on other body parts with sebaceous glands, which produce oils like your nose and upper back. 

Hormones and yeast can aggravate the condition, causing red, greasy, or swollen patches of skin. The condition might appear as fine flakes or thick white or yellow flakes that crust.

How To Treat and Prevent Seborrheic Dermatitis

There is not a clinical cure for seborrheic dermatitis, but it can go away on its own over time. While it's not possible to cure, there are steps you can take to manage it.

Sometimes, shampoos with tar are enough to manage and prevent flares of seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. Additionally, other treatments include:

• Salicylic acid creams
• Antifungal creams or shampoos
• Topical coticosteroids
• UV light therapy

A Quick Review

Eczema is a general term including several subtypes of the skin condition that cause red, dry, itchy patches of skin. 

You can generally manage and treat flares of eczema symptoms with topical creams, ointments, or gels. But in severe cases of eczema, the skin condition can be painful to interfere with daily activities. Depending on your eczema's type, cause, and severity, a healthcare provider may prescribe or recommend different treatments.