What Are The Different Types Of Eczema
If you deal with bouts of itchy skin and inflammation that comes from eczema, you know how important proactively treating it can be. To properly treat your skin, though, you need to know what kind of eczema you are dealing with and what is likely to bring it on. There are seven major types of this condition, each with its own unique causes. All of them can be treated with the same palliative care, but managing breakouts and minimizing the length of episodes will require special attention to the type you are diagnosed with. Here are some basic facts to help you understand your type.
How To Treat The Different Eczema Types
If you suffer from painful, uncomfortable, and itchy skin, it is likely that you have developed one of the different types of eczema.
The goal of eczema treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
For all types of eczema, cleansing and moisturizing are key to prevent itching, irritation, and thickening of the skin.
1- Cleanse: Regular cleansing is important at all stages of eczema, as cleansing helps prevent infection of your fragile skin. Mild cleansers are recommended because they are less drying and less irritating to eczema-prone skin. Thats why we recommend the following products.
Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
A-Derma Exomega Control Emollient Shower Oil
Ducray Dexyane Ultra-Rich Cleansing Gel
2- Moisturize: One of the most important things you can do is to get into the habit of moisturizing your skin immediately after a shower or bath. Washing and moisturizing should go hand in hand. Moisturize your skin daily with a rich oil-based cream to form a protective barrier against the irritants. If you dont apply a moisturizer immediately after bathing, the water in your skin will evaporate and cause the skin to dry out.
Below are the top eczema creams to keep your skin smooth, moisturized, and itch-free.
Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
A-Derma Exomega Control Emollient Cream
A-Derma Exomega Control Emollient Balm
Ducray Dexyane Anti-Scratching Emollient Cream
Are There Any Universal Triggers To All The Different Types Of Eczema
According to Dr. Lio, soaps and detergents can trigger almost anyone to flare up in the right context. I would also argue that stress is a fairly universal trigger, he added. Allergens are much more nuanced and individualized. Environmental stressors like heat and cold are fairly common, but not universal.
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What Questions Might My Healthcare Provider Ask To Diagnose Eczema
Your healthcare provider might ask the following questions to learn more about your symptoms, including:
- Where do you have symptoms on your body?
- Did you use any products to try to treat your skin?
- Do you have any medical conditions like allergies or asthma?
- Do you have a history of eczema in your family?
- How long have you had symptoms?
- Do you take hot showers?
- Is there anything that makes your symptoms worse?
- Have you noticed something triggers or worsens your symptoms like certain soaps or detergents?
- Do your symptoms affect your ability to sleep or perform your daily activities?
What Are The 7 Different Types Of Eczema
According to the National Eczema Association, there are 7 different types of eczema, which are briefly described below.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. It affects nearly 10 million children and 16.5 million adults in the United States. It is a chronic type of eczema that can start in childhood and continue for many years, sometimes throughout a persons life. Lifestyle changes can help manage atopic dermatitis. A regular bathing and moisturizing routine is also important in keeping this type of eczema under control. A dermatologist can prescribe topical corticosteroids, other non-steroidal creams and ointments, and biologic agents to help manage the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis
This is a type of eczema that occurs due to irritant contact. The skin becomes irritated and inflamed when it comes in contact with a trigger. A common example of allergic contact dermatitis is poison ivy. Contact dermatitis is common in people who have occupational exposure to chemicals, for example, healthcare workers, janitors, and hairstylists. Unlike atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis does not run in families and is not linked to other allergic conditions like hay fever or asthma. Contact dermatitis eczema may be somewhat easier to treat than atopic dermatitis. It is important to identify and avoid triggers that cause it. A doctor can prescribe steroid medications to reduce itching and other symptoms.
Dyshidrotic eczema
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How Many Of These Following Misconceptions Have You Heard
Myth: You can get rid of AD by finding and eliminating the one thing causing it. When speaking with parents who have a child with eczema, dermatologists often find that parents want help finding that one food or another allergen causing their childs eczema. Before seeing a dermatologist, parents often say that they have already experimented with removing different foods from their childs diet, such as eggs, milk, and nuts.
Fact: Years of research has proven that no one thing causes AD. Its a complex disease that has no cure.
Removing foods from a childs diet cannot cure AD, but it can cause health problems. Children need the nutrients in foods, such as eggs and milk, to grow and develop properly.
To provide relief from AD, dermatologists create a treatment plan that uses:
-
Trigger management
-
Medication or light therapy as needed
Myth: Children outgrow AD. Although its true that AD often goes away on its own before a childs 18th birthday, AD can be a lifelong condition.
Fact: Theres no way to know if a childs eczema will go away or remain. To prevent AD from worsening and to relieve symptoms, dermatologists recommend treating it.
Myth: To reduce flare-ups, cut back on bathing. Because AD causes extremely dry skin, some people believe they can relieve AD by taking fewer baths and showers. Research shows otherwise.
Applying a fragrance-free moisturizer to the skin within a few minutes of bathing helps to lock moisture into the skin and reduce dryness.
Treating Your Eczema With Lifestyle Changes
Take Shorter Showers
Taking shorter showers can help manage and prevent itchy eczema symptoms. We recommend taking showers no longer than 10 minutes. Its better to use lukewarm water as hot water has a greater tendency to dry out the skin. When you are finished, be sure to pat dry the skin with a towel as harsh rubbing can exacerbate symptoms. Check out the best natural soap for sensitive skin here.
Try an Eczema Elimination Diet
An eczema elimination diet can help identify which foods may be triggering flare ups. As the name implies, the diet involves eliminating a certain food from your diet for a set amount of time . Slowly incorporate these foods back into your diet and monitor the results. This can help you determine which foods to avoid going forward. Before undergoing an eczema elimination diet, speak to a dietician or doctor to ensure you are still getting all essential nutrients.
If youre unsure which type of eczema you have, we recommend speaking to your doctor or dermatologist so that you can better understand your skin and the solutions available.
Bio: Kazandra is a contributor and content developer for The Eczema Company with a flair for creative storytelling rooted in strategy. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes.
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When To See A Doctor About Eczema
Eczema is a long-term or chronic condition, so effective management is important. Though its not contagious or serious, there is a risk of infection if the skin becomes cracked or raw, so correct treatment is crucial.
If you have or think you have eczema, you should see a doctor. They can confirm the type of eczema you have and help you find the best treatment. This may be a combination of medication and self-care.
For more information, read about the best treatments for eczema and natural treatments for eczema.
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Our website services, content and products provide useful information. Healthily does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Links to third party sites, products and services do not constitute endorsement.
Healthily is committed to producing high-quality, evidence-based, functional consumer health and care information. To support this, we apply the principles and quality statements of The Information Standard fully to ensure that our process for producing information follows best practice.
Do Certain Foods Make Eczema Worse
Theres a link between food allergies and eczema. People with eczema are more likely to have food allergies and vice versa. However, foods that directly cause flare-ups are rare. Some people may experience flare-ups after eating certain foods, but this is rare and most people with atopic dermatitis do not require specific food avoidance.
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Avoid Harsh Detergent For Washing
Washing and cleaning are our daily activities. Unfortunately, most detergent powder contains toxic chemicals, artificial fragrances, preservatives, and chemical dye. These entire components react to our skin and make it drier.
As a result, eczema and skin rash are quite a regular occurrence. So choose your laundry detergent wisely, which is chemical-free.
How Can Parents Help
Help prevent or treat eczema by keeping your child’s skin from getting dry or itchy and avoiding triggers that cause flare-ups. Try these suggestions:
- Kids should take short baths or showers in warm water. Use mild unscented soaps or non-soap cleansers and pat the skin dry before putting on cream or ointment. Teens should use unscented makeup and oil-free facial moisturizers.
- Ask your doctor if it’s OK to use oatmeal soaking products in the bath to help control itching.
- Kids should wear soft clothes that “breathe,” such as those made from cotton. Wool or polyester may be too harsh or irritating.
- Keep your child’s fingernails short to prevent skin damage from scratching. Try having your child wear comfortable, light gloves to bed if scratching at night is a problem.
- Kids should avoid becoming overheated, which can lead to flare-ups.
- Kids should drink plenty of water, which adds moisture to the skin.
- Get rid of known allergens in your household and help your child avoid others, like pollen, mold, and tobacco smoke.
- Stress can make eczema worse. Help your child find ways to deal with stress .
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How To Identify Eczema
Eczema is a common skin condition that affects millions of people. In general, eczema can affect the skin by causing:
- dark-colored patches
- rough, scaly, or leathery patches
- crusting and oozing
Eczema is not contagious, which means that a person cannot catch it or pass it onto another person. While there is no cure for eczema to date, some over-the-counter creams manufactured by Top Dermatology Pharmaceutical Brands can also help in reducing the inflammation apart from the home remedies.
One of them is Eczela, one of the Best Eczema Treatment Cream, about which we will discuss later.
Before that lets have some look at Different Types of Eczema.
Care For Your Skin In The Bath Or Shower
Bathe only with a mild unscented soap, such as Dove, Basis, or Olay. Use a small amount of soap. Keep the water temperature cool or warm, not hot. Soaking in the tub for a short time can be good for your skin. Doing so allows your skins outer layer to absorb water and become less dry. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Then use a soft towel to pat your skin dry without rubbing. Immediately after drying, apply a moisturizer to your skin. This helps seal in the moisture.
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Research On Nummular Eczema Diet
When it comes to nummular eczema specifically, a 2021 study showed that a gluten-free diet may help you manage the symptoms of the condition.
In this case, an 11-year-old girl was able to remain completely symptom-free while avoiding all gluten. However, more research is needed to confirm whether this is true beyond this single case.
A 2020 study also showed there may be some benefit to L-His supplementation . This is a supplement containing the amino acid histidine, which the body metabolizes into histamine.
Histamine is an amino acid involved with growth and immunity. The research shows it may improve the symptoms of severe nummular eczema that is resistant to other treatments.
The following conditions may increase your risk of developing nummular eczema, according to the AAD:
- living in a cold, dry climate
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What Cures Eczema Fast
There is no cure for eczema. However, the symptoms can be managed to keep you comfortable and prevent flare-ups. It is highly recommended that you get the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a dermatologist. A doctor can make the correct diagnosis and give you the appropriate treatment for different types of eczema.
References:
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What Triggers Eczema To Flare Up
Eczema affects each person diagnosed with the condition differently. What causes your symptoms to flare up might not trigger someone else with the condition. Common triggers that cause eczema include:
- Touching something youre allergic to.
Do certain foods trigger eczema?
The connection between eczema and food allergies is unclear. If you have food allergies, then one of the reasons why you must avoid that food is that it may cause or worsen your eczema symptoms. Examples of common allergies include:
Pay attention to what you eat. If your eczema flares up after you eat a certain food, then you might have an allergy to it. If you dont have a food allergy, then there are no foods that will cause or worsen your eczema.
Why Does Eczema Happen
According to Dr. Sawsan Allam, eczema is related to a genetic variation that affects the skins ability to protect itself from environmental factors.
When an irritant or allergen from outside or inside the body activates the immune system, it produces inflammation. It is this inflammation that causes the symptoms common to most eczema types.
There is no cure for eczema, but most people can handle their symptoms by following treatment and avoiding irritants. Eczema is not contagious, so you cannot pass it on to another person.
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Where Does Dermatitis Form On The Body
The location of your dermatitis depends on the type. For example, atopic dermatitis can appear anywhere on your skin. But, in teens and adults, its typically on the hands, inner elbows, neck, knees, ankles, feet and around the eyes. Seborrheic dermatitis and cradle cap are typically on your scalp, face and ears. Periorificial dermatitis is found around your eyes, mouth, nostrils and sometimes the genitals.
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How Is Dermatitis Treated
General principles are covered here. Specific management of specific types of dermatitis are detailed on the relevant pages.
- Potential allergen identification and avoidance made on the basis of history e.g. hobbies, products used, and occupation. A patch test will confirm.
- Potential irritant identification and avoidance avoid soaps, shower gels, dust, organic solvents, and drying/desiccating agents.
- Protect the skin with personal protective equipment especially hand dermatitis, by the use of cotton gloves for dry work, and cotton with an occlusive glove appropriate to the suspected allergen or irritant.
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Treatment For Hand Eczema
Severe hand eczema on the palms of an adult male
The best treatment for hand eczema is avoiding what caused it.
Knowing which substances trigger your hand eczema and protecting your hands at home and at work, can help guard your skin against further irritation. The most important thing to remember is to be consistent a dailyskin care routine is the best defense.
If you believe that a substance at home or at work is causing your hand eczema, your doctor can do a patch test to see which allergens or irritants may be the problem. Your doctor can also help pinpoint behaviors or practices that may be contributing to your hand eczema and help you find ways to modify or avoid them. In some cases, antihistamines, biologics, topical corticosteroids or other prescribed or over-the-counter medications might be necessary. However, discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider with experience in dermatology before deciding on a treatment plan.
What Type Of Moisturizer Is Good For Hand Eczema
Mild hand eczema on the knuckles
The more water there is in a lotion or moisturizer, the more likely it is to worsen your hand eczema. Moisturizers usually contain more water than oil, and when the water evaporates it can dry out the skin. The best moisturizer for hand eczema is a greasy ointment, such as petroleum jelly. Be sure to read the label to determine which moisturizer has the least amount of water.
TheNational Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance directory has a list of moisturizers specially formulated for eczema skin.
Apply the moisturizer to your hands immediately after you bathe and each time you wash your hands.
Remember that it can take a few months for a flare-up to clear. Even if your hands appear eczema-free, you will sometimes need to take special care to avoid a return of symptoms or getting other skin infections.
Learn more about how tocontrol and treat eczema.
Remember that it can take a few months for a flare-up to clear. Even if your hands appear eczema-free, you will sometimes need to take special care with them to avoid a return of symptoms.
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