Types of eczema

Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis)

The most common type. It usually starts in childhood and often runs in families alongside asthma and hay fever. It causes dry, itchy skin that flares and settles, commonly on the face and scalp in babies and in the elbow and knee creases in older children and adults.

Contact dermatitis

Caused by something touching the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis comes from repeated contact with things like soap, detergents and water, and often affects the hands. Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to a specific substance, such as nickel, fragrance or preservatives, and may need patch testing.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Red, scaly patches on the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose and chest. In babies it is called cradle cap. It is linked to a yeast that lives on the skin.

Discoid (nummular) eczema

Round, coin-shaped patches that can be very itchy and weep or crust. It often needs stronger treatment than other types.

Dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx)

Small, intensely itchy blisters on the palms, fingers and soles, which can come in waves.

Varicose (gravitational) eczema

Affects the lower legs, usually in older adults with poor circulation in the leg veins.

Eczema herpeticum: an emergency

A herpes infection on top of eczema, causing painful clusters of punched-out sores and sometimes fever. It needs same-day medical help.

Related