Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term used to describe skin inflammation. There are many different types of eczema which can be caused by allergies, infections, or various substances which can irritate the skin. Only a doctor can diagnose your eczema and create a treatment plan for you. Keep reading to learn about the most common types of dermatitis.
Atopic Dermatitis
This is a chronic skin condition that typically begins in early childhood. Though most people outgrow it by adulthood, they may still continue to see some flareups. Atopic dermatitis causes itchy, dry, inflamed, and sometimes scaly patches that can become infected with continued scratching. Contact with irritants like harsh soaps and tight clothing can make this condition worse.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema is also referred to as vesicular or pompholyx eczema. This condition causes small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters to form on the palms, fingers, toes, and soles of the feet. It can also cause redness on the skin and might be painful, too. Dyshidrotic eczema is generally a symptom of another form of eczemas like atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis. It may be triggered by a number of factors like allergies, stress, moist feet and hands, or contact with a skin irritant.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
This type of eczema causes a supremely itchy rash that generally appears on the elbows, knees, back, and buttocks. The rash is usually accompanied by bumps and blisters. Dermatitis herpetiformis is strongly connected to celiac disease, which is the autoimmune disorder that leads to intestinal inflammation after consuming gluten. This chronic condition typically flares up after eating gluten and is often treated by restricting gluten intake.
Contact Dermatitis
This type of eczema includes dermatitis that is caused by both contact with irritants and contact with allergens. Irritant contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs after one comes into contact with an irritating substance like soaps, cleaners, detergents, and other chemicals. When the skin develops an allergy to a substance it frequently comes into contact with, it is called allergic contact dermatitis. Allergies can form after exposure to a substance, either once or several times. Common allergens include cosmetics, adhesives, and metals, especially nickel which is often used in jewelry, eyeglass frames, and zippers. Contact dermatitis causes mild swelling, dry and cracking skin, oozing blisters, redness, itchiness, and painful ulcers. To treat this or any type of eczema, visit a doctor who specializes inĀ dermatology in San Diego, CA.
Nummular Eczema
Nummular eczema is also known as discoid eczema. It has a distinct appearance that separates it from other types of eczema; nummular eczema causes itchy, coin-shaped spots on the skin. It can also cause the skin to become scaly and dry. This condition may be caused by dry skin in the winter, insect bites, or other types of skin inflammation.
Hand Eczema
As the name suggests, hand eczema causes dryness, pain, redness, itching, cracks, and blisters on the hands. It can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors like contact with allergens or chemicals. Hand eczema can also be a manifestation of another condition like contact eczema or atopic dermatitis.
No matter what types of eczema you have, contact us at Academic & Aesthetic Dermatology ConsultantsĀ to schedule an appointment, same-day appointment (858) 292-7525 for book online.
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