Types and Symptoms of Eczema

This varies as per the type of eczema. Modern science classifies eczema into various categories…

Allergic contact dermatitis

This looks like a rash and is often itchy. This comes very soon as a result of the contact with specific substance. Some people react to certain metals like nickel which is found in belt buckles or earring posts and are to be avoided in contact with sensitive skin. The reaction may also occur to synthetic or rubber products including dyes and perfumes. Emollient creams and moisturizers may help overcoming these troubles but best it is to avoid such irritants.

This is the most common form of eczema that affects all age groups, however common among infants and children. This is characterized by intense itching of patchy and dry skin welts that appears like red rashes.

This eczema can be controlled with non-steroidal treatment, moisturizing and daily cleaning. Once when the condition is worsen, flaring a topical herbal cream helps overcoming the inflammation and also soothes and stabilizes the skin’s texture.

Like with all types of dermatitis and eczema daily usage of moisturizing helps controlling atopic eczema.

Infantile seborrhoeic eczema

This is also known as “cradle cap”. It is most common among babies. It appears like dry flaking skin on the nappy area or the scalp. This can spread very quickly and usually it is not itchy. This type of eczema is cleared within a few months with regular application of gentle cleansing moisturizers and different bath oils.

Irritant contact dermatitis

Triggers like detergents or chemicals may be the cause for the itching and redness of the skin. The common site for this is hands. Any suspected irritant should be avoided or gloves are to be worn when handling them. This is most common among the women who washes the dishes and clothes with bare hands. The quality of the soap or the detergent is to be checked out before using them.

Varicose eczema

This usually affects the lower legs of elderly people. This could be due to poor blood circulation. Itchy, dry skin is around the ankles or shins is the major symptom. This is to be taken constant care with emollients to prevent it from getting into ulcer formation.

Adult seborrhoeic eczema

This appears as the mild dandruff. This starts from the scalp of the adults and can spread to the ears, face and chest. Here the anti-fungal herbal cream is be applied.

Discoid eczema

This is the typical condition which can be found in adults that resembles like a small red patch on the lower legs or the trunk.

In Ayurveda there are general symptoms like the patches could be dry or could be wet secreting fluids. Redness and swelling with ill defined margin of the pustules or patches. There may be papules, vesicles and sometimes even large blisters. Scaling, cracking and exudation of the skin is seen. There will be pigmentation and scratch marks on the affected area.