Eczema Symptoms and Characteristics

Something that many people don’t know is that there are several different types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrhoeic eczema, varicose eczema, and nummular eczema. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most severe types, and unfortunately, also the most common.

People that have atopic dermatitis will break out in red, itchy, dry, and sometimes bumpy rashes. Experts are unsure of the exact cause of atopic dermatitis, but believe it to be an autoimmune disorder. Certain triggers will often make a patient’s condition worse. People with this type of eczema may break out in a rash when they are stressed, exposed to certain allergens, or eat certain foods. When a person scratches their rash, it may crack, ooze, and spread to other areas of their body.

If a patient is afraid that they have atopic dermatitis, they should know that most cases present themselves very early on. Most patients will develop this condition before their second birthday. Atopic eczema also tends to run in families. If a person’s parents have the condition, there is a greater chance that they will as well. However, it is possible to develop atopic dermatitis later in life, even if a patient does not have a family history of the condition.

Other types of eczema will cause a variety of other symptoms. Contact dermatitis is similar to atopic dermatitis, but develops due to continued contact with irritating substances. Seborrhoeic eczema is a rash that usually only affects the scalp. It may cause dandruff, become inflamed, and itch. If a person scratches the rash, it may spread to other areas of the body. 

Varicose eczema is a rash that affects the lower legs. The rash often causes discolorations that resemble varicose veins. Nummular eczema causes round, irritated areas on the lower body. This condition is sometimes mistaken for ringworm and most commonly presents itself in older adults. Serious cases of therapy-resistant nummular eczema are referred to as Sulzberger–Garbe syndrome.

How to Tell the Difference Between Eczema and Other Common Skin Conditions

Atopic eczema most commonly appears on the neck, legs, arms, face, and hands. However, the rash can spread to other areas of the body. Most people will not always have a rash. Even when a person is not experiencing a rash, they will have dry, flaky skin. One of the biggest indicators of eczema is if a person experiences several rashes. Unless controlled, eczema will keep on flaring up.

During a flare up, the skin will first feel warm and irritated. Once the person scratches their skin, it may become inflamed, red, and develop small blisters. If a person is suffering from frequent rashes and believes that they may have eczema, they should visit their doctor for a professional diagnosis.