2. Different Types of Eczema
Topics Covered in this module
Atopic Dermatitis
Contact Dermatitis, Seborrheic Dermatitis and Varicose Eczema
Dyshidrotic, Discoid and Asteatotic Eczema
Part One - Atopic Dermatitis
In this module we take a look at different types of eczema. Starting with the most common and then moving to the types of eczema that target specific age groups.
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, red, itchy skin. This is the most common form of eczema which often appears in childhood, and can range from very mild to severe. Medical experts believe children are more likely to develop this form of eczema when one of their parents or grandparents has had the same symptoms. Yes there is a genetic link.
It also seems children with atopic dermatitis have a likelihood of developing asthma, hay fever and varies food sensitive or allergies. However, the good news is that many children grow out of atopic dermatitis, typically when puberty hits.
This condition can affect any part of your body, such as the inside of your elbows and behind your knees. But it typically appears on your face. Some people may develop irritation on their forehead or cheeks, while others have a rash around their eyes or behind the ears.
The Eczema Itch
Beyond the physical signs of atopic dermatitis, the most frustrating trait is the chronic itch. The eczema itch is very different from a bug bite. It is incessantly persistent, keeping you awake at night. Starting the next day feeling itchy and exhausted.
Additionally some sufferers say their dry, eczematous skin feels like it has no elasticity, so even scratching the skin to temporarily relieve pain, you can also cause a lot of pain as we discussed in the previous module with the eczema itch loop.
And finally, scratching the affected skin can offer some Immediate relief, however generally it actually worsens the situation long term. The itching can cause the skin to weep. Repeated scratching can make the skin thicken, a disorder known as Lichen Simplex Chronicus (LSC).
Telling someone with eczema to stop scratching isn’t going to be helpful. They already know the scratching is not beneficial, but when your skin is crawling like ants, the natural reaction is to scratch. What is more helpful in this instance is to work with the sufferer to seek out some natural solutions and coping mechanisms.
Part Two - Contact Dermatitis, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Varicose Eczema
Contact Dermatitis
Contact eczema results from contact with certain substances. It affects about 9% of the Adult population and occurs in people who work daily with specific material that can cause allergic reactions. Some suffers experience a skin reaction when they come into contact with certain substances. This is now as contact Dermatitis:
Symptoms of contact dermatitis include:
Dry, red, itchy skin the may feel as thought it is boring.
Blistering
Hives, a type of rash tHat consists of small, red bumps
A person with atopic dermatitis has an increased risk of contact dermatitis.
There are two types of contact dermatitis:
Irritant contact Dermatitis - results from repeated exposure to a substance that irritates the skin, such as acids an alkalis. These are commonly used in hair dye, shampoos, laundry detergents, household cleaning products.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis - occurs when a person comes in contact with a triggering substance resulting in an allergic reaction. Allergens can be anything from latex, rubber and nickel to certain plants, fabrics or even many medications.
A person can develop Allergic Contact Dermatitis at any point in their life, and people who already have Atopic Dermatitis have an increased risk of contact dermatitis. Yes this does mean that you can have multiple types of eczema at the same time.
Symptoms of this particular form of eczema include:
Dry, red, and itchy skin
A sensation of burning and tenderness within the affected skin
Blistering skin that can crack and ooze
A rash of small, red, hive like bumps
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a skin condition that can cause rough, scaly skin on the scalp and face. The common name for seborrheic dermatitis is dandruff. In babies, it’s called cradle cap. At it’s most intense, the rash can appear swollen or raised, with a yellowish or white crust on the surface.
In adults or teenagers Seborrheic dermatitis usually starts as dandruff. Dandruff is restricted to the scalp, and usually itchy, flaky skin without visible inflammation. As the condition progresses into Seborrheic dermatitis, the scalp becomes inflamed and eczema can then spread to the face and neck.
The bodies production of yeast plays a role in Seborrheic dermatitis, oily areas, such as the eyebrows, temples, the sides of the nose, and areas around the ears and down towards the back of the neck along the hairline, are typically where eczema occurs.
The Symptoms of Seborrheic dermatitis include:
Redness
Greasy, swallon skin
White or yellowish crusty flakes
Itchiness and a tight, burning sensation around the affected areas
People with darker skin coloring may get pink colored patches
Seborrheic Dermatitis in Adults
While Seborrheic dermatitis in adults tends to remain around the scalp and face area, for some people, particularly men, it can extend to the centre of the chest and back. Other areas which can also be affected are the armpits, under the breasts, groin and between the buttocks and genitals.
Actually any adult can develop Seborrheic dermatitis, however for some reason men seem more susceptible than women.
A deficiency in vitamin B6 can play a part in this condition. Also people with certain autoimmune diseases, such as HIV or AIDS, and the nervous system, such as Parkinsons disease, are believe to be an increased risk of developing Seborrheic dermatitis.
Additionally, those who abuse alcohol or suffer from eating disorders may also find this form of eczema developing due to a lack of gut health.
Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis
Infant Seborrheic Dermatitis is a common skin condition in infants under the age of one. Typically it will appear between two weeks and six months after birth.
It is commonly called cradle cap as this generally affects the scalp. Studies have shown that up to 70% of infants, regardless of race or climate, will get cradle cap in the first few months of their lives. On this area, it looks like thick, yellow, waxy scales that often stick to the hair. It doesn’t look great but it’s not itchy and causes no discomfort to your baby.
This form of eczema can be on the scalp, face, ears, neck, in the skin-folds, such as behind the knees, inside their elbows and armpits, and eventually, the nappy area may also be affected. In the nappy area, the babies bottom may look red and inflamed. Small white flakes might also be found.
The redness may extend into the skinfolds at the top of the legs, around the genitals and between the buttocks. It can then spread quite rapidly and widely.
On other areas of the body, such as folds in the infants torso, small, dry, pink rashes may patch together so as to cover an overall large area of the body. Though it may not look pleasant, it really does not cause any pain for the baby.
Varicose Eczema
Varicose eczema, occurs mainly in older adults with varicose veins however, anyone from their teenage years onwards can develop this particular form of eczema. Varicose eczema is cause by increase pressure in the leg veins, which then lose elasticity and weaken. This is often as a result of becoming less active.
When you’re active, muscle movement in your legs helps push the blood up and through the veins. When you become less active the blood is not pushing through the veins as effectively and instead collects in the lower legs.
Getting older often means less activity, however other conditions; obesity, pregnancy, standing for long periods of time can also put excessive pressure on the legs, causing the veins to weaken. Poor blood circulation, and blood clots in your legs in the past can also put you at risk of developing varicose eczema.
Symptoms of Varicose Dermatitis:
Affects the lower legs
Hot, itchy spots or blisters
Dry, scaly skin
Dark patches that ooze and crust over
Cracked skin
Part Three - Dyshidrotic, Discoid and Asteatotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema is a skin condition that yields small, itchy blisters on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet. Although this conditions is a less common form of eczema, it is twice as common in women as it is in men.
in most cases, it develops as a itchy opaque bumps on the sides of the fingers, the palms of the hands in the bottom of the feet. Occasionally, the blisters can become large and watery. They may also become infected, leading to swelling and pain.
Though, the condition can occur at any age, it is most common in people under 40 years of age.
The symptoms of Dyshidrotic Eczema includes:
A burning sensation of heat and prickling in the palms and or soles of the feet
Deep-set blisters on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms and souls of the feet
Intense itchiness
Redness
Flaking
Scaly, cracked skin
Pain
Discoid Eczema
The first sign of discoid eczema is usually characterized by a group of small red spots or bumps on the skin. These then quickly join up to form larger pink, red or brown patches, from a few millimetres to several centimetres in size. It generally appears on the lower legs, torso, and forearms. Occasionally, the centre of the disc appears to have a ring.
This type of eczema can occur in people of any age, including children. The exact cause is unknown, although having particularly dry skin has a lot to do with it, as in all eczema types.
Some people only get one patch of Discord in eczema. In most cases, a sufferer will notice several patches appear around their legs, arms and torso, with severely dry skin between the patches.
The discoid eczema can become infected, identified by some of these symptoms:
Ongoing ooze from the discs
Crusts developing within the patches
The skin around the patches swell up and become hot and tender to touch
Feeling physically unwell
Chills
Asteatotic Eczema
Asteatotic Eczema is a form of eczema that occurs when the skin becomes abnormally dry, itchy and cracked. It is often found in elderly people. However, it can also occur as a result of an under-active thyroid, severe weight loss and malnutrition and lymphoma.
Asteatotic Eczema typically occurs on the lower legs, in particular the shins. However this type of eczema can appear on other parts of the body as well, including the thighs, chest and arms. It has a strange appearance, like crazy paving, and it’s French name is as a result of the cracked appearance.
Symptoms of Asteatotic Eczema
Cracked, dry skin giving the appearance of crazy paving
Pink or red fishes or grooves
Extreme discomfort and itchiness