Contact eczema presents with symptoms of redness, itching and burning where the skin has come into contact with an allergen. In essence, your skin can also be affected if it comes into contact with general irritants like acid, some cleaning product or any other kind of chemical. Alternative trigger include reactions to laundry detergents, nickel in jewelry, cosmetics, clothing and perfume. Immediately after exposure to a known allergen or irritant, wash with soap and cool water to remove or inactivate most of the offending substance. Lemon juice or vinegar may be tried to counteract the effects of dermatitis contracted by exposure to basic irritants such as phenol. If blistering develops, cold moist compresses applied for 30 minutes 3 times a day can offer relief. Calamine lotion and cool colloidal oatmeal baths may relieve itching.
Nummular eczema is known for its coin-shaped patches of irritated skin that are typically found on the arms, back, buttocks and lower legs. These patches can be crusted, scaling and unfortunately extremely itchy. One of the keys to treatment and prevention involves keeping the skin moisturized. Lotions, creams, and bath oils may help prevent an outbreak.
Seborrhoeic eczema has an unknown cause, but includes symptoms of yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin that can appear on the scalp, face and other parts of the body. With seborrhoeic eczema, it is common for your face to inflame where the creases of your cheeks and nasal fold. Stress, oily skin, and varying weather conditions can all increase the risk of developing this eczema type.
Neurodermatitis is a chronic skin inflammation that is caused by a scratch-itch cycle. It will become extremely irritated if you scratch it frequently, which is precisely why you want to avoid doing so. These eczema types most commonly affect the head, lower legs, wrists or forearms and are thought to be self-caused, as by habitual scratching, or have unexplained origin.
Atopic eczema is characterized by itchy and inflamed skin is the most common. It is believed to be caused by an abnormal function of the body’s immune system. This skin condition frequently runs in families and around 10% of infants and 3% of adults within the U.S. are affected. Interestingly the condition may come and go unpredictably with atopic dermatitis. Although it is an inherited disease, atopic dermatitis is primarily aggravated by contact with or intake of allergens. It can also be influenced by other factors that affect the immune system such as stress or fatigue.
