Some common forms of Eczema
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common forms of eczema.
Atopic Eczema is associated with a family history of allergies. It’s considered an inherited form of eczema because the majority of people with atopic eczema have troubles with allergies or they have relatives who suffer from allergies, asthma or hay fever.
Atopic eczema typically appears during infancy and it flares and subsides frequently throughout life.
Seborrheic Eczema, not at all associated with dry skin is very often misdiagnosed as ‘dry skin’. Although the relationship has yet to be defined, it’s actually believed to be somehow related to genetics.
The symptoms of seborrheic eczema consist of scaly skin that typically appears on the top of the head, around the ears, nose and eyebrows, and it can also appear on the chest.
This irritating skin condition doesn’t typically become an issue until after puberty, affecting men more often than women. After that however, seborrheic eczema flares up regularly.
Interestingly, it also affects patients with some forms of mental or neurological issues such as mental retardation and Parkinson’s disease.
When treating seborrheic eczema on the head, wash daily with a shampoo that contains:
- Tar.
- Salicylic acid.
- Sulfur.
- Selenium.
For skin, apply hydrocortisone cream. Systemic antibiotics are sometimes prescribed as well.
Cradle Cap
Did you know that cradle cap is a form of seborrheic eczema that affects infants? It’s easy to diagnose by the appearance of thick yellowish scaly patches atop an infant’s head.
Sometimes it appears in the diaper area, neck, face and behind ears, also. It’s harmless and goes away quickly when treated.
Use a shampoo formulated for infants, then lightly massage and brush scalp with a soft brush. If it doesn’t improve, it’s important that you talk with your babies’ doctor.
Varicose Eczema is caused by poor circulation typically due to obesity, menopause and pregnancy. This type of eczema often appears on the lower leg area around the ankles.
Symptoms usually don’t appear until mid-life. It’s vital to treat this type of eczema otherwise the affected areas of skin may break down and form ulcers.
Steroid creams and emollients are effective treatments.
Discoid Eczema is characterized by round patches the size of coins appearing on the lower part of the legs, arms and the trunk.
Often itchy these patches sometimes weep. Discoid eczema seems to have no obvious trigger and generally develops all of a sudden and mostly in older men.
Another form of eczema is contact dermatitis, which develops when irritants come into contact with the skin. It results in localized inflammation in the area where contact occurred.
It results from exposure to toxic chemicals rather than allergens, either just once or after several such contacts.
A one-time exposure, typically to highly toxic chemicals, is considered an acute case and can cause red, thick, scaly skin.
A cumulative case is far more common and results from repeated exposure to any number of milder irritants such as:
- Laundry detergents.
- Soap.
- Urine.
- Saliva.
Repeated exposure only prolongs the problem. Dry, red skin that is thick and cracks and occasionally has papules is the outcome of this form of eczema, which is also hard to treat.
If you’re experiencing irritating eczema, consult with your physician.
~To Your Health and Well Being.
Healthy Nutritional Products.
