Which Eczema Is It? Understanding the Various Types
Eczema, the most common skin condition of childhood, manifests in different ways. For effective diagnosis and management, it's crucial to know what type you are dealing with. Below is a list of the most common types of eczema to help you determine which one is affecting your child.
Source: DermNet (https://dermnetnz.org/images/atopic-dermatitis-images)
Atopic dermatitis, usually emerging in infancy, shows up as dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It is often linked with allergies, asthma, and hay fever.
Source: DermNet (https://dermnetnz.org/topics/contact-dermatitis)
Contact dermatitis arises when the skin comes into contact with irritants or allergens, leading to redness, itching, and blistering. Irritant contact dermatitis stems from exposure to harsh substances like detergents, while allergic contact dermatitis results from reactions to specific agents such as nickel or latex.
Source: DermaNet (https://dermnetnz.org/cme/dermatitis/nummular-dermatitis)
Nummular eczema presents circular or oval patches of inflamed skin, prone to oozing and crusting, commonly found on limbs or torso. Though its exact cause remains uncertain, factors such as dryness, irritants, or allergies are implicated.
Source: DermaNet (https://dermnetnz.org/topics/dyshidrotic-eczema)
Dyshidrotic eczema predominantly affects hands and feet, inducing tiny blisters, intense itching, and skin redness. More prevalent in women, triggers include stress and exposure to allergens or irritants.
Source: DermaNet (https://dermnetnz.org/topics/seborrhoeic-dermatitis)
Seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic form, targets areas rich in oil glands like the scalp and face, presenting as red, scaly patches with itching and flaking. An overgrowth of yeast, alongside genetic and environmental factors, contributes to its onset.
Be sure to discuss these options with your child’s doctor in order to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. And to read more blogs like this one, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter!
