Different types of eczema

Atopic dermatitis, also called atopic eczema, causes dry, red and scaly skin that itches. Atopic eczema is most common in children, but also occurs in adults. In young children, eczema usually appears already during the first year of life, and in 95 percent the disease debuts before the age of 5. Eczema usually first appears on the cheeks, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the chest, stomach, neck and later also the folds of the arms and legs. That is why atopic eczema is sometimes also called fold eczema. In many children, the eczema outgrows. But for some, the symptoms persist into adulthood. Many people with atopic dermatitis may also have other atopic diseases, such as hay fever, asthma and allergies.

Contact eczema (allergic and non-allergic)

There are both allergic and non-allergic contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs in contact with something to which you are allergic. The skin becomes red and begins to itch, while fluid-filled blisters may form. The rash often appears on the hands, in the armpits and on the face around the eyes. Substances that are common to react to are chrome, nickel or, for example, preservatives found in make-up and skin products.

Non-allergic contact dermatitis usually occurs on the hands and is also called hand eczema. It is common in people who work in professions where the skin is exposed to a lot of wear and chemicals, such as dishwashers.

Milk eczema (seborrheic eczema)

Milk eczema, or seborrheic eczema, appears as red scaly skin on skin areas where there are a lot of sebaceous glands, usually in the scalp. Eczema can also appear around the ears, eyebrows and wings of the nose. Milk eczema usually debuts around puberty and is more common among men. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish dandruff from psoriasis, and the disease can be confused with atopic eczema in infants. The big difference between atopic eczema and dandruff is that the latter does not itch as much. Eczema often disappears on its own and being out in the sun and fresh air can help.

Coin-shaped eczema (nummular eczema)

This eczema gets its name from the fact that the rashes are round and about the size of coins. Eczema is bright red, itchy and scaly and mainly settles on the arms and legs. The disease mostly affects men over the age of 50.

Eczema under the legs usually occurs in connection with varicose veins and mainly affects the elderly. The eczema itches and scales and the legs become slightly swollen.

What can you do to relieve your eczema?

Often the eczema is caused or aggravated by the skin becoming dry. Therefore, it is good to lubricate the skin regularly, it relieves. Use moisturizing or emollient cream or ointment. Avoid substances that irritate or dry out the skin, such as excessive water or sun exposure and strong chemicals. Also avoid clothes that are too warm because the eczema can worsen if you sweat.

It is important to always consult a doctor to be sure of receiving the correct diagnosis. Eczema can also resemble other skin rashes or skin diseases.