Overview

Eczema (also known as dermatitis) is a non-contagious skin condition which can affect people of all ages.

Eczema is a skin condition that causes a dry and itchy rash that appears on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, eyelids, and neck, as well as the inner creases of the elbows and knees.

There are a few different types of eczema, including atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, and discoid eczema. The most common type of eczema, atopic dermatitis mostly affects children, but it can appear in adults. People with atopic dermatitis typically have flare-ups, when eczema gets worse for a period.

If you notice your skin is itchy, extremely dry, and occasionally turns red, it could be an indication you have eczema. While you may be able to mistake dry skin for eczema, there are a few key differences you need to acknowledge before reaching out to your health care provider.

1. Atopic dermatitis

According to a 2016 study led by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America and National Eczema Society, atopic dermatitis occurs in 7.3% of adults in the United States. For the roughly 40% who suffer from it, atopic dermatitis is more than just an occasionally itchy skin; its symptoms can range from moderate to severe. This type of eczema affects as many as 12 percent of the general population, and women are more likely than men to get rubbed out with stasis dermatitis. It first presents itself like other forms of eczema, but when the itching-scratching cycle gets worse, end-stage presentations from chronic scratching lead to the appearance of a lichenified (tough or leathery skin) and can have color changes like blackening or whitening, says Pooja Sodha.

Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is the most common form of eczema, a condition that causes your skin to get itchy, dry, and cracked. Atopic eczema, or atopic dermatitis, may be caused by chemicals, stress, temperature changes, and allergens touching your skin.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is considered an autoimmune disorder, as it causes inflammation of the skin. You may have contact dermatitis if your skin becomes red and inflamed as a result of a reaction to a substance you've been exposed to.

Dermatitis, eczema causes the skin to bleed and clog up on folds in your arms, the backs of your knees, your wrists, and your hands. As a result, this form of eczema may be worse during winter, or in colder climates, where central heating may dry the skin.

2. Contact dermatitis

Another type of eczema, called contact dermatitis, occurs when you come in contact with an allergen. There are both contact dermatitis; Irritant contact dermatitis and Allergic dermatitis.

Allergic dermatitis is an allergic reaction that is delayed, developing a day or two after the skin comes into contact with the allergen. Irritant contact dermatitis is more likely to result in dry, cracked skin, whereas allergic contact dermatitis may result in blisters filled with liquid.

3. Dyshidrotic eczema

Dyshidrotic dermatitis is a form of eczema that causes little blisters filled with liquid to form on your hands and feet, which causes the skin to break down, scab, and flakes.

Dyshidrotic dermatitis may arise from many different causes, including atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, systemic allergic reactions, fungal infections, excessive sweating called hyperhidrosis, or as a side effect of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

If you notice small, itchy blisters on your hands or feet, it is possible that you are suffering from dyshidrotic eczema.

4. Stasis dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis, called venous eczema, is associated with faulty circulation of the legs. Stasis eczema is most common in the lower legs and feet, typically people aged 50 years or older. 

Because stasis dermatitis is caused by faulty blood vessels, treating Stasis Dermatitis is different than treating other forms of eczema. 

5. Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis (called dandruff when it is on the head) appears as red, dry, flaky, itchy skin on your scalp and on other parts of your body. 

Seborrheic dermatitis causes itchy, flaky, scaly patches in areas of your skin that contain lots of oil glands, called the sebaceous glands.

Simple tips to manage eczema

There is no cure for atopic dermatitis, but effective treatments such as moisturizers or ointments can help you to manage the condition and minimize outbreaks.

You will need to use a moisturizer (emollient) on a regular basis to help keep your skin from drying out, and you might need to get prescribed a topical corticosteroid to help decrease inflammation in your affected areas.

You may also  want to use a shampoo that is specifically designed for dandruff, or another mild soap, to help reduce the oiliness and aid treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis.

Takeaway

Dyshidrotic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, nummular dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis are also types of eczema.

If you or your child are suffering from itchy, red, and inflamed skin, it is possible that eczema is to blame.

Typically, eczema causes the skin to be dry, flaky, and itchy when flared, and may get cracks or bleeds if you scratch it often.

If you find that your skin is dry for unusual or unknown reasons, and has extreme amounts of itching, this is probably some kind of eczema.

If you are suffering with aching, uncomfortable, or itchy skin, it is very possible you have developed one of the various types of eczema.

DISCLAIMER   

Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.