Eczema is a group of skin conditions characterized by a compromised skin barrier, resulting in the appearance of dry patches with bumps, itching, inflammation, and sensitivity. It is a chronic skin condition that needs care and management throughout life to avoid flare-ups. Eczema can affect different parts of the body, such as the scalp, face, lips, hands, and feet.
Eczema is not a life-threatening skin condition, but it is very uncomfortable. If you are one of those affected by eczema and struggling to understand which type of eczema you have, what the specific symptoms for each type are, and how to manage them, then you have come to the right place. This article will answer all of these questions in detail. So read till the end and understand your skin condition in depth.
Common Eczema Symptoms
There are multiple eczema symptoms associated with eczema. Some of them are discussed below.
Dryness
The eczema patch is dry and rough. Dryness is caused by trans epidermal water loss due to a damaged skin barrier.
Inflammation
Skin becomes irritated and inflamed by minor irritants due to pH balance disruption, causing redness and other inflammatory eczema symptoms.
Swelling
Swelling is caused by inflammation of the skin.
Itching
Slight itching is present in almost all eczema types; however, severe itching signifies an intense eczema flare-up, irritation, and inflammation.
Bumps or blisters
Some eczema patches are accompanied by small bumps, while others might have blisters. If the patch develops oozing or non-oozing blisters, please seek medical help.
Scales
The eczema patch may sometimes develop scales, flakes, or crusts.
Different Types of Eczema
As discussed earlier, there are different types of eczema depending on the cause and location of the patch. These conditions have almost similar symptoms. Many people fail to understand the type of eczema they are experiencing, which is crucial for management. Some of these types of eczema are explained below so that you can understand the difference between them.
1. Atopic Dermatitis (Chronic Eczema)
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. Although atopic dermatitis and eczema are often used as synonyms, you must know that eczema is an umbrella term that has several types, one of which is atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, non-contagious condition. It is characterized by the appearance of rough and dry patches with eczema bumps that may ooze. It is more common in children under 5 years of age. The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown, but it can be caused by,
- Genes
- Dry skin
- An immune system issue
- Triggers, such as irritants, stress, and allergens.
2. Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis, as the name suggests, is caused by a reaction to a substance you touch. It can be if two types,
- Allergic contact dermatitis: an immune system reaction to allergens.
- Irritant contact dermatitis: a chemical reaction or a substance that directly damages the skin.
The cause of contact dermatitis is different for everyone. Some of the most common causes of contact dermatitis are listed below,
- Detergents
- Bleach
- Jewelry
- Latex
- Nickel
- Paint
- Poison ivy and other poisonous plants
- Skin care products, including makeup
- Soaps and perfumes
- Solvents
- Tobacco smoke
3. Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic Eczema, also known as pompholyx, is a condition in which tiny fluid-filled blisters are present on the hands and feet. These eczema tiny colorless itchy bumps on the skin and tiny blisters are itchy and painful and may burst to form crusts. About 5% to 20% people with hand eczema have dyshidrotic eczema. Some common symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema are,
- Small, firm blisters
- Pain or soreness
- Itching
- Peeling or scaling
- Changes in color
- Extra sweating
- Dryness and cracking
The exact cause of dyshidrotic eczema is not known; however, they are thought to be caused by,
- allergies
- damp hands and feet
- exposure to substances such as nickel, cobalt, or chromium salt
- stress
- smoking tobacco products
4. Nummular Eczema
Nummular means coin. Nummular eczema, also known as Discoid eczema or discoid dermatitis, is characterized by its round or oval coin-like patches. These skin patches mostly appear on legs, forearms, or the back of the hands.
According to the National Eczema Association, nummular eczema is a chronic condition, and if it is left untreated, the symptoms might remain for years. However, if proper treatment is provided, then it resolves in 3 to 4 weeks.
Nummular eczema’s cause is unknown, and it is often confused with ringworm and psoriasis.
5. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic and relapsing eczema type, also called scalp eczema. Seborrheic dermatitis mostly occurs on the scalp but can appear anywhere sebaceous glands are present. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis is called cradle cap, and it does not reappear later in life. Seborrheic dermatitis has different manifestations on black skin.
Some of the common symptoms of seborrheic eczema are,
- Eczema rashes that can be pink, red, purple, tan, brown, or white, depending on your skin tone.
- Greasy skin or a ring-shaped rash.
- Raised appearance and forms under the body or facial hair.
- Skin irritation
- Patchy or flaky white or yellow scales.
The most common causes of seborrheic dermatitis are,
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Illness
- Harsh detergents or chemicals
- Harsh weather
- Health conditions, like Parkinson’s disease, psoriasis, HIV, and acne
- Medications
6. Stasis Dermatitis (Eczema on Legs)
It is an inflammatory eczema on the legs that occurs due to poor blood flow. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the blood accumulates in the lower legs, where it damages capillaries due to pressure. It is also called gravitational dermatitis, venous eczema, or varicose eczema.
The most common symptoms of leg eczema are listed below,
- Skin discoloration
- eczema bumps on legs
- Itching
- Scaling
- Ulcers
- Leg swelling
- Pain
- Tenderness
- A dull ache or heaviness in your legs that gets worse when you stand.
- Varicose veins
Eczema on the legs can be treated by,
- Avoid standing and sitting for long periods of time.
- Prop up your feet when sitting.
- Wear compression stockings.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating your skin.
- Topical steroid creams and ointments.
7. Neurodermatitis (Lichen Simplex Chronicus)
Neurodermatitis is a type of eczema that begins with an itchy patch. This itchy patch turns into a rash. The intense itching may cause lichenification of the rash. The eczema rashes mostly appear on the arms, legs, back of your neck, scalp, bottoms of your feet, backs of your hands, and genitals.
According to AAD, the exact cause of Neurodermatitis is not known; however, most patients recall being stressed when the condition starts. Common symptoms of the disease include,
- Itching
- Pain
- Raised and roughed patch
- Open sores
- Secondary infection
- Scarring
Identifying Eczema Spots and Bumps
Eczema can manifest differently on people depending on their skin color, age, and type of eczema. Some of the common signs of eczema are discussed below.
Eczema Spots
Eczema spots on the skin are usually the first sign of a flare-up, which may later turn into a rash or patch.
Rash
The appearance of a rash is usually the first sign of eczema. The color of the rash may appear pink, red, or purple on light skin, and grey, dark brown, or purple on dark skin.
Texture
The rash may feel dry, cracked, scaly, crusty, or thickened and leathery.
Location
Eczema can appear anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on the hands, neck, elbows, ankles, knees, and face. In kids and infants, eczema mostly appears on the face, especially the cheeks.
Blisters
Different types of eczema also form blisters, which are small, fluid-filled bumps that may or may not ooze.
Mild Eczema
Mild eczema or mild eczema types are not specific skin conditions. They simply mean that the same eczema types are in a milder form. Mild eczema signifies that the condition is not very severe and under control. A chronic and aggressive eczema can become milder with proper management and treatment. The mild eczema types are similar to those discussed above.
When Eczema Becomes Chronic
Long-standing and recurring eczema can progress to the chronic stage. Eczema enters the chronic phase when the flare-ups last for three or more months. Many people wonder how eczema starts. The answer is that it starts with dry skin, skin sensitivity, and a damaged skin barrier, which may progress to chronic eczema later.
Symptoms of Chronic Eczema
Chronic eczema has some signs that distinguish it from the acute eczema phase. Some of the symptoms of eczema are listed below.
- Cracks in the skin
- Dark, dull, or discolored skin
- Deeper skin lines
- Larger areas of skin breakdown (excoriations)
- Itching
- Thickened, leathery-looking skin or lichenification.
Chronic Eczema Treatment
Treatments for chronic eczema are discussed below.
- More potent topical steroids to control symptoms (these can be more effective when covered with a barrier, such as plastic wrap).
- Apply moisturizers that have soothing ingredients like ceramides to soothe the skin.
- Using eczema cream like Soteri Skin Eczema treatment moisturizes the skin, maintains the skin barrier, and balances skin pH.
- Use of colloidal oatmeal baths.
- Avoid triggers and allergens.
Tips to Prevent and Treat Eczema Flare-Ups
The most effective way to manage is by preventing the occurrence of flare-ups. Using gently hydrating skincare products and avoiding triggers can easily manage and decrease flare-ups.
Here are some highly effective tips to prevent and treat flare-ups.
Moisturizer
Moisturize properly with an emollient cream twice daily. Use creams that not only hydrate deeply but also strengthen the barrier. Look for moisturizers with ceramides that calm the skin.
Mild cleansers
Cleansers can be harsh on the skin and remove the natural skin oils. It is important to use mild and fragrance-free cleansers.
Eczema creams:
Use a good and dermatologically approved eczema cream that works to hydrate and nourish the skin. Use creams that can also maintain the skin pH and repair the skin barrier.
There are baby eczema creams available in the market for infants and kids, like Soteri Skin Baby Eczema Cream.
Avoid stressors:
Avoid known irritants and allergens like some foods, harsh chemicals, detergents, synthetic fabrics, jewellery, etc.
Humidifier
Use a humidifier, especially in cold and dry weather. The humidifier adds moisture to the air, which prevents dry skin.
FAQ’s
Can eczema cause tiny, colorless, itchy bumps on the skin?
Yes, eczema can cause tiny, colorless, itchy bumps on the skin. It is common, like dry eczema, which causes small, fluid-filled eczema bumps that are itchy and often colorless in appearance.
Do eczema bumps go away on their own?
No, eczema bumps will not go away on their own. They can calm down and flare up, but they will not disappear. Eczema bumps need management during the calm phase and treatment during flare-ups. The condition can worsen if left untreated.
How can you tell the difference between eczema rashes and other skin conditions?
You can tell the difference between eczema rashes and other skin conditions by simply closely inspecting the signs and symptoms. Eczema rashes are severely itchy, red, and scaly. They may ooze liquid, while other conditions like psoriasis have thicker, more silvery-white plaques. Scabies itching may worsen at night. Hives typically appear as welts that resolve within 24 hours.
Is dry skin a sign of eczema?
Yes, dry skin eczema rash is common. Dry skin is a sign of eczema, but not every dry skin signifies eczema. Persistent, extremely dry, itchy, and rough skin with inflammation and redness might be a sign of eczema.
Conclusion
Eczema has various types, and they have some similar and some different signs of eczema. Each type can manifest itself with diverse clinical presentations. It is important to differentiate among these eczema types.
After reading the article, you might have identified the eczema type you have. Most of the eczema types can be easily managed at home and do not require medical attention. However, some of them, like Neurodermatitis and stasis dermatitis (eczema on legs), might need to be evaluated by a physician.
Many over-the-counter products can help calm eczema flare-ups and even prevent them. One of them is Soteri Skin, a brand dedicated to eczema solutions. Their eczema treatment creams have helped hundreds of people. The cream balances the pH and repairs the damaged skin barrier.
