Eczema is a skin condition affecting people of all ages. It results into the inflammation of the affected skin area, and is usually characterized by burning and itching sensation on the skin surface. It can appear on any body part however, its dominance is seen on the upper body part.

Studies reveal that there are several types of eczema affecting the human body. Chemicals and allergies are amongst the common causes of eczema amongst individuals.

Let’s explore the different types of eczema.

Atopic Eczema

Atopic eczema is prevalent amongst allergic people. It is primarily seen amongst infants and teenagers below the age of 18. People suffering from atopic eczema are at higher risk of developing asthma and hay fever. The skin usually appears red and inflamed when affected by atopic eczema. Although the exact cause of atopic eczema is yet a mystery in the field of medicines, it can be cured with the combination of proper medication and prevention techniques. Atopic eczema is also seen amongst some pets, especially dogs.

Discoid Eczema

Commonly referred as nummular eczema, discoid eczema can be characterized by recurring occurrence of itchy body patches often seen on the arms, legs and trunk. It’s usually visible on the skin in the shape of coins. Although it can affect people of all ages, middle aged people are more prone towards developing discoid eczema.

Varicose Eczema

Primarily seen amongst older people, varicose eczema usually targets the lower body part, especially the ankle area. It’s a result of faulty valves in varicose veins, which provokes the passage of blood in the incorrect direction. Being overweight can also trigger the cause of varicose eczema.

Contact Dermatitis

Like most eczema, contact dermatitis appears like a rash on the skin surface. It’s caused due to contact with some foreign substance towards which a person is allergic. It disappears when it is kept away from the allergic substance for a period of time. It can take several weeks to fade away completely. Some plant species can also induce contact dermatitis.

Hand Eczema

Unlike other types of eczema, hand eczema tends to be chronic, and can potentially disrupt your day to day activities. It can occur due to some form of allergy or excessive hand washing. Red, dry and inflamed rash can be observed in the hand area, when affected by hand eczema. The condition can be very painful even with simple contacts like fluid. It is commonly observed in industries where lot of cleaning and catering work is involved.

Eczema can trigger at any point of time, and can unexpectedly prevail on your body for weeks. It is important to determine the cause of eczema and start the treatment as soon as possible. There are several preventive measures one can incorporate, in order to avoid the occurrence of eczema.

Avoid scratching the affected body part as this can worsen the situation. Also, avoid exposure to hard surface area as it may increase the pain and burning sensation. There are several natural remedies can one can use to cure eczema. Consulting a specialist is a must, if the condition prevails for long.

Jason Ladock

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