Eczema, or dermatitis, is an inflammatory condition of the skin that results in itchy patches of redness, blisters, scaling, and crust formation. These patches, or areas of abnormal skin are called lesions. There are several types of eczematous lesions, with varying degrees of severity. It is a common disorder, affecting about 15 million people in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Nummular Eczema
Nummular, or discoid eczema is marked by itchy, coin shaped areas on the skin. These patches start out as red spots that form a blister, which oozes and forms a crust. Older patches often have a light color in the center, and turn scaly. The rash most commonly occurs on the forearms, the front part of the legs, or the trunk of the body. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that people with the condition, or their family members, usually have a medical history of asthma, allergies or eczema. Nummular eczema is associated with dry skin, and tends to occur in the winter months.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
This form of eczema usually occurs in areas of the body that have a lot of oil secreting glands, called sebaceous glands. The scalp, face, ears, and upper body are commonly affected. Seborrheic dermatitis is generally itchy, and appears as red, scaly or flaky patches. Infants sometimes get thick crusts on their scalp, known as cradle cap. Areas behind the ears may crack and look dry. People with certain neurological diseases and those who have compromised immune systems have an increased likelihood of getting this condition, according to the Merck Manuals Medical Library.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
This form of eczema causes the formation of pustules and blisters on the sides of the fingers, palms of the hands or soles of the feet. The rash is very itchy, and some describe a burning sensation. Dyshidrotic eczema is marked by crusting, cracking and peeling skin. Anyone of any age can develop the condition, but it is more common in those 20 to 40 years old, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Contact Eczema
Contact eczema or contact dermatitis is most often caused by some irritating substance, or less commonly by an allergic reaction, notes Merck Manuals Medical Library. A rash due to skin contact with certain chemicals, plant substances, soaps and detergents, jewelery, and other irritants make up about 80 percent of cases. Itching, swelling and redness followed by the formation of blisters is the usual course.
Atopic Eczema
Atopic eczema is the most common of all the eczema types. It is an allergic inflammatory condition in the skin that results in a breakdown of the normal skin protection barrier. Atopic dermatitis produces itchy red scaly patches of skin that weep and peel. This form of the disease most often begins in infancy, and frequently goes away after the age of 5. People with this illness usually have family members with similar or other allergic conditions.
