What is eczema?

Eczema is a harmless skin inflammation that can affect both children and adults. Common symptoms are dry, red, itchy skin. The redness is less noticeable on dark skin. Eczema can also cause the skin to flake or weep.

Different types of eczema

Eczema comes in many variants and can be caused by different triggers. Some of the most common types are atopic dermatitis, contact eczema, and seborrheic eczema.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is common in children, but adults can also be affected. The first symptoms are dry, red, flaky skin with very itchy patches.

In young children, eczema often starts on the cheeks and spreads to the rest of the body. Atopic eczema is also called flexural eczema because children usually get patches on the elbows, knees, wrists, and ankles. In adults, eczema instead appears on the face and chest.

Contact eczema

Contact eczema is divided into allergic and non-allergic. What they have in common is that eczema develops where the skin has come into contact with something that irritates it. Common symptoms are itchy, red skin with blisters.

Allergic contact eczema

This can occur if the skin comes into contact with a substance you are allergic to. Often, the eczema is on the hands, face, or forearms.

Allergy-triggering substances include nickel, chromium, rubber, and latex. Colophonium, which is found in plasters, can also irritate the skin.

Non-allergic contact eczema

This often occurs on the hands and is therefore called hand eczema. This type of eczema can be caused by cleaning products, solvents, or frequent handwashing.

Contact eczema

can also appear on other parts of the body. If the irritant is airborne, eczema can develop on the eyelids or other areas of the face.
Seborrheic eczema (Seborrheic dermatitis)

Seborrheic eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis, is the most common type of eczema.

The first symptoms are red, flaky skin. Unlike contact eczema and atopic dermatitis, seborrheic eczema usually does not itch.

Seborrheic eczema develops where there are many oil glands, such as the face, scalp, eyebrows, behind the ears, or chest. Sometimes the eczema is mistaken for psoriasis.

It primarily affects adults and teenagers. Young children can get cradle cap, which is another type of seborrheic eczema.

Other types of eczema

Nummular eczema

Also called discoid eczema, it usually affects people over 50 years old. The eczema patches are round and most often appear on the arms or legs.

Stasis eczema

This most often affects older people near varicose veins or leg ulcers.

Solar eczema

Solar eczema appears as bumps, red spots, or blisters on the skin. The patches often itch and the skin becomes inflamed. The eczema can develop when the skin is exposed to strong sunlight. The symptoms usually resolve on their own.

What causes eczema?

Eczema can be caused by many different things, such as allergies or irritated skin. Heredity also plays a role. The risk of being affected is higher if a close family member has eczema.

Factors that can affect eczema are

• allergies
• irritating substances
• genes
• yeast infection on the skin
• compromised immune system
• stress and poor sleep.
• Atopic dermatitis
• The risk of developing atopic dermatitis is affected by both genetics and the environment. People affected by eczema have dry skin with an impaired barrier function. There may also be a link to asthma or hay fever.

Seborrheic eczema

One cause of seborrheic eczema is thought to be the yeast Malassezia (Pityrosporum ovale), which is naturally present on the skin. Eczema develops if there is a lot of yeast or if you are sensitive to it. Fatigue and stress can also be contributing factors that trigger eczema flare-ups.

Cradle cap (seborrheic eczema)

Young children's skin contains less fat and does not have a fully developed protective barrier. Researchers believe this is why babies get cradle cap. It can also be caused by a yeast that is normally present on the skin. Cradle cap is not contagious and often clears up on its own before the child turns two.

Who gets eczema?

Most people will experience eczema at some point in their lives. It is especially common in children, but teenagers and adults can also get it.

Children

Atopic dermatitis, or flexural eczema, is common during early childhood. Eczema often appears before the age of two and then grows out of it over time.

Teenagers

The most common types of eczema among teenagers and young adults are atopic dermatitis, seborrheic eczema, and contact allergy.

Adults

Contact eczema and seborrheic eczema are the most common types in adults. Seborrheic eczema affects up to 5% of the population and is slightly more common in men. Symptoms of seborrheic eczema often recur over a few years before gradually subsiding.

How is eczema treated?

What can I do myself?

Use skin cream

Try to establish a routine of moisturizing your skin often and use plenty of cream, even if it takes time. This relieves itching and strengthens the skin's natural protective barrier. Use products formulated for eczema.

Avoid drying out

Water and regular soap dry out the skin. Wash your hands and body only when necessary, and not more often than that. Use mild, fragrance-free products.

Do not scratch

Scratching can cause skin inflammation and make eczema worse. Wear cool, lightweight clothing to reduce itching.

Avoid irritating substances

Substances that can irritate the skin include dish soap, soap, scented laundry detergents, fabric softeners, chlorine, and chemicals. New clothes should be washed before wearing them to remove chemical residues.

Sunlight and high humidity

Eczema often worsens in winter when the air is cold and dry. Moderate amounts of sunlight and higher humidity can relieve eczema. If your indoor air is dry, try lowering the temperature. If you have dry skin, you can prevent eczema by moisturizing your body regularly. Well-moisturized, supple skin reduces the risk of eczema returning.

Medication

Eczema can be treated in many different ways, depending on the type you have and where the symptoms are located.

Contact eczema and atopic dermatitis

Eczema is most often treated with emollient creams and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching. Hydrocortisone ointment can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies and used for up to one week. Corticosteroids used in high concentrations or over a long period of time can thin the skin. Therefore, other medications are usually recommended if eczema is on areas where the skin is more sensitive, such as the face or neck.

Seborrheic eczema

Seborrheic eczema is often treated with antifungal medications. These come in the form of shampoos and creams, among other things. Corticosteroids are also usually used to relieve any itching and skin inflammation. Sometimes no treatment is needed at all and the eczema resolves on its own. If the eczema weeps, develops yellow blisters, or gets worse despite treatment, it may be due to an infection. Antibiotic treatment may then be necessary. Contact a healthcare provider to get help with diagnosis and treatment.