Eczema belongs to a group of conditions that cause skin inflammation, called dermatitis. It is one of the most common skin conditions in the US affecting over 30 million people, including children.
There are many types of eczema, and it is possible to multiple types of eczema at the same time. Each type of eczema has unique triggers that affect skin’s ability to function as a barrier.
In this article, we will discuss the common types of eczema and their symptoms, as well as where you can go for eczema treatment in Phoenix, AZ.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It causes itchy skin that gets dry and scaly. Atopic dermatitis is quite common, affecting approximately one out of every 10 babies and young children. Nearly two-thirds of children affected by atopic dermatitis continue to have symptoms and flare-ups into adulthood.
While the symptoms of atopic dermatitis most commonly appear in areas where skin flexes or bends like the inside of the elbow behind your knees, it can occur anywhere on the body including arms, legs, feet, and more.
Atopic dermatitis can have many causes and triggers. Most commonly it is triggered by:
- Dust mites
- Animal hair and saliva
- Skin infection
- Certain fabrics
- Hormonal changes
- Food allergies
- Irritants
- Cold weather
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs when you come in contact with a substance, organism, chemical, or object that irritates your skin, resulting in an itchy rash. There are two types of contact dermatitis: allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis.
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when you come into contact with a substance you’re allergic to (and other people may not be), like nickel in jewelry. In contrast, irritant contact dermatitis occurs when you encounter an irritant – like a concentrated cleaning solution – that irritates all skin types.
Contact dermatitis can affect people at any age and is more common in people whose occupation involves repeated exposure to irritating chemicals or allergens. It can manifest as a rash on your skin that is darker than your natural skin tone, elevated from the skin surrounding it, and is bumpy with small clusters of blisters.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Otherwise known as dyshidrosis, this is a chronic skin condition that causes dry itchy skin and small blisters. This type of eczema can affect anyone but is more common in females, people between the age of 20 and 40, individuals with personal or family history of eczema or contact dermatitis, and those who seek immunoglobin infusions.
Dyshidrotic eczema predominantly affects the skin around the palm of the hand and the fingers, as well as the soles of your feet. The blisters resulting from this type of eczema often look like tapioca pearls that may become scaly or cracked after drying out.
Neurodermatitis
This is a non-life-threatening skin condition that is also called lichen simplex chronicus. It is characterized by itching and scratching usually on just one or more patches of the skin. The symptoms of neurodermatitis most commonly occur on the arms, shoulder, elbows, legs, wrists, ankles, back of the neck, hands, or scalp.
Individuals between the age of 30 and 50 years, females, those suffering from mental disorders like anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders, and those with a history of skin disease are more likely to develop neurodermatitis.
Neurodermatitis is commonly triggered by extreme stress, emotional trauma, nerve injuries, insect bites, dry skin, and other skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema.
Nummular Eczema
Nummular eczema is another form of eczema that causes raised round spots on the skin. These patches may last from weeks to months and are often itchy, sometimes becoming crusty on top. Episodes of nummular eczema can repeatedly happen over a long period of time.
While nummular eczema can affect anyone, it is more common in men between the age of 50 to 65 years and women between the age of 15 to 25 years. The following is a list of nummular eczema triggers:
- Allergies
- Bacterial infection
- Exposure to rough fabrics like wool
- Extremely dry environment
- Frequent bathing with hot water
- Skin trauma or injury
- Use of irritating and drying soap
Seborrheic Dermatitis
This skin condition appears as red dry, flaky, itchy skin on the scalp and other parts of the body. It most commonly occurs in the areas of the body with the high sebaceous gland activity, such as the scalp, upper back and chest, face, forehead, and groin.
Seborrheic dermatitis most commonly occurs in infants younger than three months old age and in adults between the age of 30 to 60 years. It is more common in men, Caucasians and individuals born with naturally oily skin, as well as those with health issues, such as neurological disorders, congenital disorders, and immunosuppression.
Eczema Treatment in Phoenix, Arizona
Whether you or your child are suffering from eczema or some other kind of skin, nail, or hair disorder, our dermatologist at Happy Skin Pediatric Dermatology has you covered. Our pediatric nurse practitioner, Samantha Casselman, has more than eight years of experience in pediatric dermatology and offers one-of-a-kind individualized experience to each of our patients for their unique dermatological problems.
To make an appointment with our pediatric dermatologist, call our staff today at (602) 837-3376 or fill out our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
