Here are a few things to know about the types and treatments of eczema

What is eczema? Eczema is a condition of skin where some parts of the skin become inflamed. Eczema is also known as dermatitis.  

Symptoms of eczema
Eczema causes many symptoms as there are different types of eczema and each type of eczema has its symptoms. Itching is one of the common symptoms of eczema. Itching causes a lot of damage to the skin as it may be difficult to resist itching.

As it is difficult to resist scratching, the skin becomes reddish and sometimes blood may ooze out of the wounds caused by scratching. Scaling is another symptom of eczema. The skin looks flaky and rough. The flakes of skin may rise and it may not be pleasant to look and feel.

Redness of skin is another symptom which can be caused by the blood oozing out of the skin and wounds. Blisters can be filled with pus and fluid which can be unpleasant and irritating. Fissures may develop which can be painful and may also develop cracks. To get a good idea of these symptoms, look for pictures of eczema available online.

Types of eczema, symptoms, and treatment

Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is usually seen in infants and children. But adults can also be affected due to atopic dermatitis. This kind of dermatitis is usually seen in people who are suffering from Asthma, hay fever. The symptoms of atopic eczema are skin rashes, irritated skin, and scratching, thick and red skin. The skin on the face, hands, feet, inner elbows, back of the knees, etc. gets affected by atopic dermatitis. 

This kind of dermatitis gets intense by using soap, by using clothes which have a rough texture, through household chemicals. Some kinds of food, dust mites in the weather, allergens of any kind can make the condition worse.  

Treatment: Treatments for atopic dermatitis are to use the moistures, applying steroid creams and ointments on the skin that is irritated and itchy. Popular moisturizers such as Cetaphil Restoraderm or Sebamed moisturizing cream are good for atopic dermatitis. Improving the immune system can also help in fighting such a skin condition. Using dupilumab injection or crisaborole injection once or twice a week can be effective. Antibiotics and ultraviolet light can also help in reducing atopic dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is caused due to the damage done to the skin by frequent use of harsh chemicals. This kind of Dermatitis can be classified as irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

Irritant contact dermatitis is caused at a time or over a period when a person comes in contact with strong irritating substance once or continuously. Contact dermatitis can also be caused by coming in contact with substances such as nickel, some cosmetics and sprays. As hands come in contact with anything easily, hands can easily get affected by contact dermatitis. 

Treatment:  Treatment for this kind of dermatitis is using the moisturizers as Truly Pure skin recovery cream and using some steroid creams. This type of dermatitis caused by allergic triggers can be treated by steroid drugs which can be applied to the skin or taken as pills. Antibiotics also help in treating this kind of dermatitis. It is good to avoid contact with allergy-causing substances and wearing gloves to handle chemicals is a good way to prevent contact dermatitis.

Dyshidrotic dermatitis
Dyshidrotic dermatitis is a kind of eczema which affects hands and feet. The reason for this kind of dermatitis is not known. The symptoms of this eczema are itching which can be severe sometimes. Cracks can also appear on the fingers and hands.

Treatment:  Dyshidrotic dermatitis Treatment for this kind of eczema includes cold compression or using steroid drugs either by applying on the eczema skin or taking as pills. Ultraviolet rays are also a good way to treat this kind of eczema.

Nummular dermatitis
This kind of eczema is seen in men when compared to women. The symptoms of this dermatitis are coin-shaped red marks on the legs, hands, forearms, lower back, hips, etc. Cold air or dry air, exposure to certain chemicals such as formaldehyde and some metals such as nickel can cause this eczema.

Treatment:  Applying steroid creams such as Eucrisa and moisturizers on the skin affected. Taking antibiotics and steroids as pills can also help in treating dermatitis.

Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is a kind of eczema can be seen as spots that are itchy on the back, neck, genitals, scalps, wrists, etc. Infections can develop on the spots developed by this kind of eczema.

Treatment: This kind of eczema is controlled by resisting scratching and applying steroid creams on the affected skin. The steroid pills such as prednisone are also good for this kind of eczema.

Seborrheic dermatitis
This kind of eczema is usually called as dandruff. This kind of eczema is seen in eyebrows, nose, areas of ears, groin area, chest, etc. The skin affected with this kind of eczema becomes itchy, dry, and thick. Eczema photos available online can give a fair idea of these symptoms.

Treatment: Using dandruff medication or steroid creams can be helpful in treating this kind of eczema.