Understanding The Types Of Eczema And Managing Them
There are several different types of skin allergies that millions of people all over the world suffer every day. If you are one of the many that suffer from types of eczema, there is a wealth of support available to you. There are several types of eczema and several different causes. Here we will cover some of the most commonly asked questions about eczema.
What is eczema exactly?
Eczema is a mild to severe skin reaction to an internal “threat” or allergen. There is a wide range in the degree of eczema skin symptoms the different types of eczema cause. Eczema can range from very mild and virtually unnoticeable to very thick, unsightly patches of grey leather like areas on the skin. The patches or areas of skin that are affected try to encapsulate the perceived allergen by sealing it off and surrounding it with more epithelial (skin) cells.
What causes Eczema?
There are different thoughts as to the exact causes of eczema. Eczema clinical trials suggest that there may be a food intolerance or allergy. Which foods cause eczema is still being investigated. Thus far; research indicates that gluten, yeast and milk seem to be likely suspects for the immune response that causes skin eczema symptoms. One of the milk allergy symptoms can be eczema.
How many types are there?
The exact number of types that exist is not nearly as important as the specific types and their definitions. Here are some of the most common:
1. Asteatotic Eczema
Occurs most often in the elderly. Areas of the skin involved are the shin area and sometimes the hands or body. The skin becomes dry and cracked. If the cracked skin continues to split a fissure is formed that may cause bleeding and infection to set in.
2. Atopic Dermatitis
Most prevalent form of eczema. It is diagnosed in both children and adults; however more often it is found in children (particularly those with allergy induced asthma). Skin symptoms include a dry rash that causes intense itching. Scratching the rash makes it become thickened and hard. The rash can appear anywhere on the skin including the hands, feet, face or body.
3. Contact Dermatitis
Eczema caused by an irritation of the skin (by an external source). The external source can be an irritant or an allergen. Common irritants would include any caustic solutions such as bleach, strong detergents and soaps, or other cleaners.
Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by allergens such as poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac, latex, rubber, some metals and creams, ointments and cosmetics. Sensitive individuals may find other allergens that cause problems.
4. Dyshidrotic Eczema
Also referred to as vesicular eczema and most often involves the hands. It has been known to develop on the feet in some cases. Raised bumps appear under the skin of the fingers and then develop into a rash. Studies show vesicular eczema is hereditary and is exacerbated by stress of any kind.
5. Nummular Eczema
Characterized by small round patches of red scaly skin. Winter and dry skin make this eczema worsen.
6. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Eczema that causes pink or yellow patches of oily scales to form on the face, scalp and ears. When this condition affects infants it is often referred to as “cradle cap”. Adults with the condition may mistake its appearance for ordinary dandruff (dry scalp).
If you suffer from one of these types of eczema; your doctor may recommend you try to determine if there are any foods making your eczema flare up. You can help determine which foods cause eczema to worsen by eliminating a food group (such as dairy) from your diet for a one week period to see if your symptoms improve.I f you see no difference; then you can move on to the next group. Keep a diary to help you narrow down which foods make your eczema skin symptoms to worsen for you. Your physician can offer medical advice to you for managing the type(s) of eczema affecting your skin.
