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 peel.

Different types of eczema

Eczema comes in many variants and can have a variety of causes. 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 rashes that are very itchy.

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 typically develop rashes on their 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 forms. Both types develop when the skin comes into contact with something that irritates it. Common symptoms are itchy, red skin with blisters.

Allergic contact eczema

This can occur when the skin comes into contact with a substance you are allergic to. The eczema often appears on the hands, face, or forearms.

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

Non-allergic contact eczema

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

Contact eczema

can also develop on other parts of the body. If the irritant substance is airborne, eczema can appear 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 cause itching.

Seborrheic eczema develops in areas with many oil glands, such as the face, scalp, eyebrows, behind the ears, or on the chest. Sometimes the eczema is mistaken for psoriasis.

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

Other types of eczema

Nummular eczema

This is also called nummular eczema and 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 rashes are often itchy and the skin becomes inflamed and red. The eczema can develop when the skin is exposed to strong sunlight. 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 on the skin
• compromised immune system
• stress and poor sleep.
• Atopic dermatitis
• The risk of developing atopic dermatitis is influenced by both genetics and the environment. People with eczema have dry skin with an impaired barrier function. There may also be a link to asthma or hay fever.

Seborrheic eczema (seborrheic dermatitis)

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

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 develop 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 years old.

When do people get 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 often outgrows 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 finally subsiding.

How is eczema treated?

What can I do myself?

Use skin cream

Try to build 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 skin dryness

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, comfortable clothing to reduce itching.

Avoid irritating substances

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

Sun and high humidity

Eczema often worsens in the 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. Corticosteroid cream can be bought over-the-counter at pharmacies and used for up to a week. High-concentration corticosteroids or long-term use 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 are available as shampoos and creams, among other forms. 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 a diagnosis and treatment.