In an article published in Well + Good, Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Cornell–NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Center, outlined the seven types of eczema and how to manage each condition. She explained that each subtype of eczema depends on specific factors that trigger or worsen the disease. Atopic dermatitis—the most common form of eczema—is a chronic condition marked by red, dry, and itchy skin on the flexural areas and is often associated with asthma and allergies. Contact dermatitis is a form of eczema requiring the skin to have contact allergens or irritants. Dr. Garshick noted that after contact, individuals may experience red and flaky skin, itching, and blisters around the eyes and hands—and recommended patch testing to identify the root causes of the flare-ups. Dyshidrotic eczema, mostly commonly appearing on the hands and feet, may be the result of frequent handwashing and sweating. Symptoms of the condition—skin bubbling, blistering, and itchiness—can be alleviated by limiting handwashing if possible, wearing gloves while washing dishes, and frequently applying moisturizers. Scratching eczema may result in a separate condition: neurodermatitis, which causes skin thickening and other skin changes around the ankles, hands, wrists, forearms, and scalp. Dr. Garshick suggested trying to reduce scratching by taking shorter showers, regularly trimming the nails, and applying moisturizers in order to allow the skin to recover. Nummular eczema, characterized by discoid patches on the skin, may be the result of dryness, and can produce a burning sensation and itchiness that may be soothed by moisturizers. Seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp, face, chest, and groin—and presents as flaky skin, redness, and itching. Dr. Garshick explained that antifungal medications and shampoos may be beneficial for this form of eczema. Finally, stasis dermatitis—caused by poor circulation and treated with compression stockings—occurs on the lower legs as swelling as well as red, flaky, and dry patches of skin.
May 25, 2023