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types of eczema

There are several different types of eczema. Information on each type is detailed below.

Atopic eczema

Atopic eczema is thought to be hereditary as there is often a family history of atopic allergy (eczema, asthma or hayfever). Approximately 60% of sufferers develop atopic eczema before the age of one year but fortunately most grow out of it by the age of 16.

However the inherited tendency to eczema never goes away and it can return in later life. The natural course of the disease is that it flares up and then dies down from one week to the next, often affecting the wrists, ankles and behind the knees. The intense itch disturbs sleep and results in skin damage by scratching which can lead to secondary bacterial infection. The aim of treatment is to stop the skin flaring and keep the condition under control.

Contact dermatitis

There are two types of contact dermatitis - irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. As the name suggests, the individual will have come into contact with an external irritant which has caused the eczema.

Allergic contact dermatitis generally develops over a long period of time as a result of regular contact with a substance. It is the body's immune system reacting against the substance that causes the eczema. Typical substances a person can become allergic to are perfume, make up, and the nickel in costume jewellery.

Irritant contact dermatitis usually affects adults and is due to contact with irritants to the skin, commonly on the hands. Household detergents and chemicals used around the home or the workplace are the main culprits. New mothers often develop this type of eczema; the arrival of a new baby inevitably leads to more frequent hand washing. Hair dressers are also prone because their hands are frequently in water and in contact with chemicals in shampoos and hair dyes.

Seborrhoeic eczema

This can affect adults or babies. In babies it is more commonly referred to as cradle cap and can be found in the scalp and nappy areas. Unlike atopic eczema, although it looks bad, it is not sore or itchy and generally clears up from the age of one onwards.

In adults, men are more susceptible; it usually affects the 20-40 year old age group. It causes redness and scaling of the skin. Dandruff is a mild form of seborrhoeic eczema. It can also involve the face, the eyelids and the eyebrows. This type of eczema is usually associated with yeast growth.

Varicose/gravitational eczema

This is more common in women than men and tends to develop in later life due to poor circulation.

This type of eczema, as the name might suggest, affects the lower legs and ankles and results from gravity's effect on the pressure of blood within the veins. It can lead to increased risk of ulceration in those areas.

Discoid eczema

The cause of discoid eczema is unknown. It usually affects adults, often in later life. The affected skin appears like coin shaped red scaly patches usually on the lower legs.

Asteatotic eczema

Usually seen on the legs of elderly people this type of eczema is very itchy and red, with superficial scaling. The pattern this type of eczema forms can look like crazy paving.

Pompholyx eczema

This type of eczema can be extremely itchy. It manifests itself with small to large blisters which affect the palms of the hands and/or the soles of the feet.

Follow this link for information about the causes of eczema

Could it be something else other than eczema?

It can be difficult to tell the difference between eczema and psoriasis sometimes. If you are in any doubt you need to talk to your healthcare professional who will be able to provide you with a firm diagnosis.

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For more information about psoriasis follow this link to the talkpsoriasis website

Information written by the talkhealth medical panel

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Last Reviewed: 31 May 2011
Next Review Date: 29 September 2012