Unbeknown to many, eczema alone comes in a number of forms, not to mention the other forms of dry skin condition. This can be frustrating if a doctor misdiagnoses or a patient uses the wrong treatment for their specific condition, but due to a great deal of recent medical research most types of dry skin condition are very treatable or at the very least controllable.

First on the list is eczema, which is actually an umbrella term used to describe sebborrhoeic, discoid, pompholyx (or dyshidrotic) and esteatotic eczema. These conditions are mostly caused by an atopic reaction to one or more allergens in the sufferers environment or diet and are treated with a combination of steroid cream or tablets, eradication of the allergen (if possible) and extensive use of an emollient cream to keep the area well hydrated. Some types of eczema, however, are mistaken for other skin conditions. Take discoid eczema for example. This condition presents as almost perfect circles of irritated, dry and inflamed skin, typically in older men, which can be alarming at first as they look a lot like ringworm; a condition caused by a fungal infection. The main difference between the two is the discoid eczema affects the area within the circle's well define edges, whereas ringworm is just that: a ring, with healthy skin inside.

Atopic eczema and psoriasis are the most commonly muddled up dry skin conditions. Indeed they present in very similar ways; dry, inflamed and itchy skin covered with silvery, flaky scales. The difference here is the site at which it occupies. Psoriasis exists on particularly dry and exposed areas such as the elbows and knees, whereas atopic eczema is caused by the moist and warm environment of the inside creases of the elbows and knees.

Perhaps the most widely ignored dry skin condition is asteatotic eczema because it only appears during winter and can present simply as dry skin on the lower legs (something that most of us experience to some degree, especially women who shave). It can, however, become unsightly, itchy and flaky. Luckily this type of eczema is very easily treatable and will not affect the lower layers of skin, unlike gravitational eczema which is caused deeper into the dermis (skin). Gravitational eczema is associated with varicose veins, when blood builds up in the lower legs, as does pressure which forces liquid out of the skin which then dries up.

Seborrhoeic eczema and nappy rash are very commonly mixed up, but there are some very specific forms of dry skin condition, such as pompholyx or 'dyshidrotic' eczema. This type of eczema has an unknown cause and can be quite suddenly, presenting as an itchy rash on the hands and feet. Some specialists think that it is related to the process of sweating, but not caused by sweat itself.

If you do find yourself or your child suffering from a dry skin condition and it doesn't clear up on its own after one week then it's a good idea to visit your doctor for a definitive diagnosis. Self treating some forms of eczema and dry skin condition can make them worse, leading to damaged skin and a lot of discomfort.

Stan Tian

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