Understanding The Different Types Of Eczema

Eczema is defined as a skin disease or condition that causes certain areas of the skin to become inflamed, dry and itchy. This skin condition can led to skin infections that must be treated with oral antibiotics. Eczema is mostly found on the legs, arms, and knees areas of the body but it can affect the entire body as well. Currently, over twenty percent of children in the United States have some form of eczema but it can affect people of all ages. Currently, there is no cure for eczema. But by knowing the type of eczema their patient has, a doctor is able to provide some type of treatment to reduce the symptoms.


Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common types of eczema. Atopic dermatitis affects most children by age 1 and a small number of adults. It is hereditary in families who have a history of hay fever and asthma. Due to a reaction to a food such as eggs or the environment such as pollen, the skin flares up. To determine what is causing the reaction, it would be best to take an allergy test. Once this information is discovered, then the trigger should be removed from the diet or avoid to reduce the skin reaction. A topical corticosteroid cream may be prescribed by your doctor to reduce the redness and itching.


Contact dermatitis is another one of the types of eczema. Normally, contact dermatitis causes a rash on the skin when the skin is exposed to an allergen such as poison ivy or an irritant such as perfume. By washing or removing the cause of the reaction from the skin, the rash will began to clear up. But it can take up to several weeks for the skin to heal. During this time, you can use an over the counter corticosteroid cream or oral antihistamine such as Benadyal if you experience any itching.


Seborrheic dermatitis is another type of eczema, which is mostly found on the scalp and face. People with this type of eczema have oily and scaly patches of skin on the face and scalp. It is known as cradle cap for infants and dandruff for adults. Like atopic dermatitis, it is also hereditary and stress and oily skin conditions make cause a reaction. Most of the time there is no itching associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Your doctor will give you a prescription shampoo that contains sulfur to treat your scalp. For other areas of the body, an ointment that contains vitamin B6 used to treat this condition.


You will be able to understand and treat your eczema better by increasing your knowledge about the different types of eczema that exist. There may not be a cure but you can live eczema free with the right treatment and prevention tips.