Eczema is sometimes referred to as dermatitis. Dermatitis is borrowed from dermis, meaning outer skin layer. Both names are used to collectively identify about 8 different types of skin conditions. As to how many types of Eczema are there, different sources will give different answers. The answers are all related however.

Several symptoms recur in all the types. Some however display symptoms only unique to them. Unique symptoms can be used to identify a particular type.

Types of eczema can be classified on basis of where they occur, their symptoms, severity of and possible triggers.

All types of eczema in children and adults

Atopic eczema

The reason as to why this type is referred to as ‘atopic’ is because it tends to occur in family lines with hay fever, asthma and food allergies. It is very common in children. Most cases are reported before the third month after birth. Of all eczema types, it is most common. Experts are not certain on what causes it. It is however associated to rogue immune reaction.

Contact eczema

This type is subdivided into two types; allergic and irritant contact eczema. The former is caused by contact with allergens while the latter is triggered by contact with irritants. Allergens can be contained in some foods, jewelry, cosmetics and soaps. Acids, alkalis, metals, dyes, beauty products, perfumes, clothing can all act as irritants. These two types are mostly responsible for eczema on hands.

Seborrheic eczema

This is eczema of the scalp or dandruff. In children, eczema on scalp is sometimes referred to as cradle cap. Most cases are reported before the first birthday. In adults, this eczema type appears on the scalp and can extend to the face and torso. It is characterized by greasy, scaly patches which are yellowish or whitish in color.

Dyshidrotic eczema

This type appears on feet and hands. It is characterized by tiny blisters which feel like bumps on skin. The blisters may ooze and form crusts. Without proper management, the affected areas dry and flake. Cracks may develop into the skin. More women than men tend to develop this eczema type.

Nummular eczema

Also referred to as discoid eczema, this type mostly appears on lower legs, back, and arms. Its distinctive feature is the appearance of coin-like irritated patches on skin. Pictures of eczema on arms can illustrate better. It doesn’t occur in children. In fact, most cases are reported in older people.

Stasis eczema

This eczema type is caused by flaws in blood veins. A lot of pressure sustained on lower legs can sometimes lead to blood leaking out of blood veins into surrounding skin areas. The areas swell, itch and become painful. They also are likely to turn red. It is associated with varicose veins.

Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis is a chronic skin condition. It affects a localized area. Due to repeated scratching, affected areas may turn in color. Inflamed dry patches usury form. It can occur anywhere on the skin. Scratching leads to bleeding and possible infection.

Hands eczema

In some cases, eczema may only appear on hands. In fact, it may only appear on fingertips. This is usually in cases where an irritant is the cause.

Different types of eczema; acute, severe, chronic, infected

Different types of eczema can also be classified based on extremity.

Acute eczema

Here, symptoms emerge and rapidly evolve into an itchy red rash. The rash may become blistered or inflamed overnight.

Not all cases of acute eczema are severe.

Severe eczema

Severe eczema occurs when treatment is either not sought or not effective. It starts with the rash, which after sometimes develops into blisters. The blisters will likely form bacterial entry points. With time, the affected areas will lose moisture, dry out and form cracks into the skin. Severe eczema is not only painful but also dangerous.

Chronic eczema

Some people experience urge to keep scratching certain localized parts of the skin. With time, the skin on these areas thickens and darkens. Urge to scratch can be triggered by some products of weather conditions.

Infected eczema

This occurs when bacteria gains access into the affected skin areas through open blisters or cracks. Infected eczema is harder to treat and more dangerous.

Infection can also be fungal or viral. For example, a type referred to as eczema herpeticum occurs in people with atopic eczema and herpes virus. It is very severe and requires antiviral treatment.

Symptoms of different types of eczema

Atopic eczema;

• Rash on arms (elbows) and legs (knees)
• Thickening of skin
• Tiny blisters that feel bumpy upon touch
• Oozing fluid from scratched blisters
• Golden crusts which indicate infection
• In children, it occurs mostly on cheeks

Contact eczema

• Itching and burning sensation
• Routine flares
• Blisters on affected skin areas
• Inflamed and thickened skin patches

Seborrheic eczema

• Loss of hair
• Greasy, whitish or yellowish dry patches on the scalp
• Extreme urge to scratch
• Related symptoms on face

Dyshidrotic eczema

• Itch on hands and feet
• Blisters on palms and sole of the feet
• Cracking and flaking on the affected areas
• Pain and burning on the formed cracks

Nummular eczema

• Coin-like spots
• Itchiness and scaling
• Hands and legs are most affected

Stasis eczema 

• Swelling in lower legs
• Aching in the legs
• Dryness and itchiness on lower legs
• Swelling especially after walking or standing for long
• Varicose veins

Neurodermatitis

• Itchiness especially at night
• Thickened and very scaly patches
• Bleeding and cracking

Hands eczema

• Symptoms only localized on hands
• Dry, itchy and red patches
• Blistering and cracking

Treatment for different types of eczema in adults and children

Topical steroids are often the first choice of medication a doctor will prescribe. They help reduce itch and thickening.

Moisturizers and emollients are also very important for the different types of eczema treatment. As you may have noticed in the symptoms, dryness and cracking seem to be fate regardless of the type. Moisturizing creams and ointments can help avoid excess drying.

Antihistamines are usually prescribed as anti-itch medications. Eczema itch gets worse when at rest or sleeping. Antihistamines can help with sleeping difficulties.

Antibiotics are necessary when blisters have formed open sores or cracks have formed on the affected areas. They are very essential when it comes to how to get rid of eczema on legs and hands.

Natural treatment for different eczema types

Home remedies such as coconut oil, lavender oil and oatmeal are good moisturizers. Due to their mildness and soothing effects, they are good how to get rid of eczema on penis options.  They can help keep eczema patches from cracking. Others such as aloe Vera, shea butter, honey, tea tree oil are anti-microbial. They also can help reduce thickening or swelling.

The perhaps best natural treatment that applies to all different types of eczema involves learning the possible causes and avoiding them. If eczema is not triggered, it will rarely appear on its own.

In cases of flares, seek medical attention the soonest you can. Eczema can be treated effectively before it gets severe. A good number of eczema medications are available over the counter. But that doesn’t mean that they should be taken without medical consultation. In any case, you may end up taking the right medications but for a misdiagnosed condition.