Eczema (dermatitis) refers to a group of conditions that affect the skin. Many types of eczema cause red, itchy patches of skin that may blister or peel. Causes may be environmental (irritants or allergens), emotional (anxiety) or genetic. It may be difficult to differentiate which form of dermatitis you have, so see a doctor if you have any of the types of eczema described below.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, and it is strongly associated with asthma and hay fever. It is characterized by extremely itchy patches of skin that can occur anywhere on the body. Whereas babies tend to develop these rashes on the cheeks and scalp, adolescents and adults typically get them on the hands and feet. The affected skin can ooze, bubble up or weep a clear fluid. Over time, the skin thickens (lichenification) to protect itself from damage caused by scratching.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis develops after exposure to a substance to which you are allergic (allergen). Chemical irritants (detergent) can also cause contact dermatitis. Within a few hours after contact, skin can become red, itchy, dry and swollen. Irritants can also cause a strong burning sensation. Sometimes blisters may develop and ooze, leaving behind scaly, crusty skin that flakes off until it is healed. Repeated long-term exposure to the allergen may cause the skin to darken, thicken and become leathery or scaly.
Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
Dyshidrotic dermatitis only occurs on the fingers, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It is sometimes described as looking like tapioca pudding. Symptoms include cracking and peeling skin; intense burning and itching; and red, hot and inflamed skin. Blisters may form, heal and then come back as soon as the skin has finished peeling. Affected regions may sweat excessively, and the skin may feel soft and spongy. The fingernails may develop ridges or become thickened and discolored.
Discoid Eczema or Nummular Dermatitis
Discoid eczema or nummular dermatitis usually occurs in response to skin trauma such as a bite, burn or abrasion. Itchy, coin-shaped lesions form on the torso or lower legs, feet or arms. They may weep fluid and then become crusty and scaly. They may take weeks or months to fully heal.
Varicose Eczema or Stasis Dermatitis
Varicose eczema or stasis dermatitis is caused by poor circulation and commonly occurs in the lower legs of people in their middle to late years. Skin in the lower extremities and ankles may become discolored, thick, itchy and inflamed. Open sores (ulcers) may develop, potentially leading to infection.
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis occurs when the nerve endings beneath the skin become irritated because of factors such as insect bites or emotional stress. This causes intense itchiness that cannot be improved by scratching. The more the skin is scratched, the itchier it becomes. It can develop on any area of the body but is especially common on the ankles, lower legs, back, forearms and wrists, neck and genitals.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Often flaring up in cold, dry weather, seborrheic dermatitis starts as oily, waxy patches on the scalp that can spread to the face and body. Skin may flake, itch and burn and become red and swollen.
