Eczema is a common skin care complaint. There are several different types of eczema, from simple dermatitis, which is an inflammation of the skin, to chronic forms that have no known cause. Eczema can affect young children and clear up on its own by the age of three, while other types affect mainly the elderly. Some bouts of eczema are allergic reactions and are localized, while other bouts are widespread and can affect your legs, scalp, and forearms. It is believed to be a chronic skin disease that runs in families. It is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

Types of Eczema and their Symptoms
There are several types of eczema and many of them have similar symptoms. Eczema can affect people of all ages and races, and can affect both men and women.
- Atopic dermatitis is normally the result of an allergic reaction and seems to run in families. Atopic dermatitis symptoms include inflamed and itchy skin. This type of eczema is the most common type of this skin disease. It occurs in people of all ages; if a child under one years of age experiences it, it is called infantile eczema. Atopic dermatitis can be caused by exposure to jewelry, chemicals, detergents, pollen, food, and any substance that produces an allergic reaction.
- Contact eczema, also known as contact dermatitis, is a reaction to an allergen. It is a localized reaction that is characterized by itching, redness, and, in some cases, pustules and a rash. Poison ivy and poison oak are examples of contact eczema.
- Seborrheic eczema symptoms include oily, scaly, yellowish patches on the scalp and face. One type of seborrheic eczema is cradle cap in infants. Common places for this type of eczema are in the creases of the face and the edge of the nose. Weather, infrequent shampooing, stress, and oily skin may aggravate this type of eczema.
- Nummular eczema occurs mainly in elderly people on their arms, buttocks, back, and lower legs. Symptoms include itchy, scaling, and crusted skin. This type of eczema seems to run in families, and people with other chronic illnesses such as asthma have an increased risk of this skin disease.
- Neurodermatitis is exhibited by scaly patches of skin as a result of an intense itch/scratch cycle. It may begin as a bug bite and become extremely itchy. Once you begin to scratch it becomes even itchier and results in inflammation and a thickening of your skin. Stress can make this type of eczema worse.
- Stasis Dermatitis is also known as varicose eczema. It occurs almost exclusively in the elderly. Symptoms include itching and a discoloration of the skin of the lower legs. As the condition progresses you may develop oozing and blistered skin that may develop into ulcers. It is caused by a poor circulation in the veins and water retention, or edema, is a common side effect.
- Dyshidrotic eczema affects men and women of all ages and is characterized by deep blisters that itch and burn and are clear. The cause of this type of eczema is not known and appears on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. It is more common in the warmer months and in temperate climates. Other names for this type of eczema include vesicular palmoplantar eczema, pompholyx, and dyshidrosis.

Treatment for Eczema
Basic skin care is not usually effective for the treatment of eczema. A dermatologist will prescribe medication that addresses the irritation, itching, and possible infection caused by eczema. Medicines may also be used that will help the shedding of scaly skin and reduce and prevent new lesions and scarring. Each case of eczema is unique, and it is frequently an ongoing condition. Your dermatologist will take your lifestyle and health history into account when prescribing treatment for your skin condition.