7 Types Of Eczema: Pictures and Differences Between Them

ECZEMA FACTS

• Eczema is a condition where parts of the skin become itchy, inflamed, red, and rough.  

• Keeping the skin moisturized can prevent certain kinds of eczema.

• It is important to distinguish the different causes of eczema because effective treatments can vary.

• Food can be a trigger for some people with eczema, especially if they also have a true food allergy, but food is not the cause for everyone. Common allergens like dairy, eggs, peanuts, wheat, or soy may worsen symptoms in some people, but cutting out foods without guidance can backfire. If you notice a repeat pattern after eating a certain food, it is better to track it and ask a dermatologist, allergist, or registered dietitian before starting an elimination diet.¹

• Eczema is not contagious. 

WHAT IS ECZEMA?

Eczema  is a skin condition that causes the skin to become inflamed, itchy, scaly, red, or irritated.

The word "eczema" is also used specifically to refer to atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, however there are 7 known types of eczema. 

The appearance of skin affected by eczema will depend on how much a person scratches it, and whether the skin is infected. Scratching and rubbing further causes irritation on the skin, increases inflammation, and can worsen eczema. 

All forms of eczema will itch. 

Sometimes the itching happens before the rash appears. Eczema rashes most commonly appear on the face, back of the knees, wrists, hands, or feet but it may also affect other areas as well.

TYPES OF ECZEMA AND ITS SYMPTOMS

Atopic dermatitis

The most common form of eczema. It usually starts when someone is young, and often gets milder or goes away by adult age.

"Atopic" refers to a group of diseases including the immune system. Dermatitis means an inflammation of the skin.

Atopic dermatitis happens when the skin’s natural barrier against irritants and allergens is weakened, so make sure to keep supporting your skin's natural moisture barrier! 

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) symtoms: 

• Dry skin
• Itching, which may be severe, especially during the night time
• Red to brownish patches, mostly on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and in infants, the face and scalp

Atopic dermatitis most often begins before age 5 and may carry on into  adulthood. For some, it flares periodically and clears up for a period of time.  Atopic dermatitis could remain in remission for several years. 

Contact dermatitis

This is a red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with a substance in which the substance irritates and inflames the skin.

There is another type which is allergic contact dermatitis. After repeated contact with the substance, the body’s immune recognition system becomes activated and you become allergic to that substance. 

Dyshidrotic Eczema

This is a type of eczema where clear fluid filled blisters develop on the soles of your feet, sides of the fingers or toes and palms of your hands. 

The Blisters normally last for about two to four weeks and could be caused by allergies or stress. The blisters are often very itchy. The skin can also scale, crack, and flake from these blisters.

Hand eczema

An inflammation of the skin of the hands that can be caused by contact allergens such as rubber chemicals, but other external factors such as outside irritants can also cause it. 

In hand eczema, your hands get red, itchy, and dry and they may form cracks or blisters. 

Neurodermatitis

A skin condition that starts with an itchy patch of skin. It is similar to atopic dermatitis. It causes thick, scaly patches to appear on your skin. Scratching makes it even itchier. Scratching the skin could cause the skin to appear leathery and thickened.

Neurodermatitis usually starts in people who have other types of eczema or psoriasis. Stress could also trigger it. 

In neurodermatitis, thick, scaly patches form on your arms, legs, back of your neck, scalp, bottoms of your feet, backs of your hands, or genital. These patches can be very itchy, especially when you’re relaxed or asleep.

 

Stasis dermatitis 

Stasis dermatitis is skin inflammation that develops in people with poor blood circulation. It's common on the lower parts of the legs. When blood collects or pools in the veins of the lower legs, the pressure on the veins increases. Legs can swell up and varicose veins can form.

Nummular eczema

This is a type of eczema that causes coin-shaped spots to form on your skin.  Nummular eczema looks very different from other types of eczema, and it can itch a lot. These patches are often itchy and well-defined. 

Nummular eczema can be triggered by a reaction to an injury, such as a burn, cut, or scrape, or insect bite. Dry skin can also cause it.These can last for several months and a person could have 1 patch or many. 

It's best to work with a doctor such as a dermatologist or allergist to help find your eczema causes so you can find the appropriate treatments.  Avoiding specific triggers or allergens can help to prevent or minimize flare-ups.

Life with eczema can seem intimidating not knowing how the day after today will treat you, but figuring out the triggers goes a long way in managing flare ups and symtoms! 

Eczema Triggers:

Triggers for eczema include environmental exposures and allergens. 

Common eczema triggers include

 

• extended exposure to dry air common in winter. any extreme heat or cold
• dust mites which are a common allergen
• Certain ingredients in common household items may also trigger a reaction such as:
• formaldehyde found in some adhesives like glue or bandages
• cocamidopropyl betaine in shampoos or cleansers.
• Fragrance
• Isothiazolinone in some antibacterial wipes
• Pet hair
• A new clothing detergent 
• Certain types of fabric rubbing on the skin like wool or polyester. 

Figuring out what is triggering your eczema and avoiding contact with them is ultimately the best way to treat your eczema.  

If you can't pinpoint your eczema trigger yourself, ask an allergist or dermatologist about a skin patch test in which they will test for several chemicals found in household products to narrow down what exactly is irritating your skin. 

Simple Eczema Routine To Try During A Flare

When eczema flares, the goal is to calm the skin, reduce itching, and rebuild the skin barrier.

1. Keep showers short and lukewarm

Hot water can feel good in the moment, but it can make dryness and itching worse after. Try a short lukewarm shower or bath, then moisturize while your skin is still slightly damp.

2. Moisturize more than you think you need to

Moisturizers are one of the most important parts of eczema care because eczema-prone skin has a weaker barrier. Look for fragrance-free creams or ointments with barrier-supporting ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, or shea butter. The best moisturizer is one you will actually use consistently.²

3. Try the “soak and seal” method

After bathing, gently pat your skin so it is not dripping wet, then apply moisturizer within a few minutes. This helps trap water in the skin instead of letting it evaporate.

4. Use cold instead of scratching

If the itch is intense, try a cool compress for a few minutes instead of scratching. Scratching can damage the skin barrier more, which can make the itch-rash cycle keep going.

5. Switch to fragrance free laundry and body products

For eczema-prone skin, boring is usually better. Try fragrance-free detergent, avoid dryer sheets, skip scented body wash, and be careful with essential oils. Even “natural” fragrance can irritate eczema-prone skin.

6. Wear softer, breathable fabrics

Wool, rough fabric, tight clothing, and sweat can all make itching worse. Cotton or soft breathable fabrics are usually easier on eczema-prone skin.

7. Track your triggers for 2 weeks

Instead of guessing, write down what changed before a flare: new detergent, weather, sweat, stress, pets, dust, skincare, fragrance, food, or illness. Patterns are easier to catch when they are written down.

Product For Eczema

The fighter gel has ingredients like organic gotu kola, or centella asiatica which are proven to help with eczema due to the anti-inflammatory and skin barrier supporting properties. 

Contains MSM - a type of sulfur that reduces inflammation in skin and improves skin quality to fight eczema.  This makes the fighter gel a great eczema product. 

It also contains peppermint oil which has evidence that it can provide relief for chronic itching which is great for reducing the itching symptom of eczema.  A few people may find peppermint irritating, but whenever introducing a new product, patch test on a small area first. 

Other Eczema Treatments:

There are some medications which may be effective for eczema, however note that many medications are for temporary use only and contain side effects.  

For all eczema treatments, keep skin hydrated with an eczema safe product like a fragrance free moisturizer that that doesn't contain any of your triggers.  

Steroid Creams

Steroid creams may be prescribed for eczema because they reduce inflammation and reduce the skin's immune response in the applied area.  These creams may only be used for a week or two at a time depending on strength.  

Side effects may be worsened acne or rosacea.  

Skin thinning may occur when used together with a tight dressing or bandage. 

Other Immunosuppresants 

Medications such as prednisone or other immune system suppressants may be prescribed, however these can have major side effects.  If these are prescribed to you, it is most likely because you have a severe case. 

Overall, eczema is a very frustrating condition due to the intense itching sensation and the appearance of the rash may be frustrating for some, but with the above tips, you will surely find a way to avoid your eczema triggers and treat your eczema flare ups if they do happen.

   

Natural Or At-Home Eczema Tips With Mixed Evidence

These are not cures, but some people find them helpful, and a few have early research behind them.

Colloidal oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal is one of the better-supported “natural” options for eczema-prone skin. Studies on 1% colloidal oatmeal creams have shown improvement in eczema severity, dryness, and itch in people with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.³

Virgin coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil has some evidence for improving dryness and reducing Staphylococcus aureus on eczema-prone skin, but it is not perfect for everyone. It can feel heavy, may clog pores for acne-prone people, and should be patch tested first.⁴

Sunflower seed oil

Sunflower seed oil may support the skin barrier because it is rich in linoleic acid. Some studies suggest it may be gentler for the barrier than olive oil, but results can vary by formula and skin type.⁵

Bleach baths

Dilute bleach baths are sometimes recommended for moderate to severe eczema, especially when skin infections are a recurring issue. Evidence is mixed, and they should be done carefully with proper dilution and ideally with guidance from a doctor. They are not necessary for everyone.⁶

Stress and sleep support

Stress does not mean eczema is “in your head,” but stress and poor sleep can make itching harder to control. Gentle stress support, better sleep habits, and keeping nails short may help reduce the itch-scratch cycle.

References:

References

1. Chu DK, Schneider L, Asiniwasis RN, et al. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) guidelines: 2023 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 2024. https://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081-1206(23)01455-2/fulltext
2. Sidbury R, Alikhan A, Bercovitch L, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with topical therapies. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2023. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(23)00004-X/fulltext
3. American Academy of Dermatology. Atopic dermatitis clinical guideline. https://www.aad.org/member/clinical-quality/guidelines/atopic-dermatitis
4. Capone K, Kirchner F, Klein SL, Tierney NK. Effects of Colloidal Oatmeal Topical Atopic Dermatitis Cream on Skin Microbiome and Skin Barrier Properties. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32484623/
5. Verallo-Rowell VM, Dillague KM, Syah-Tjundawan BS. Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis. Dermatitis. 2008. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134433/
6. Danby SG, AlEnezi T, Sultan A, et al. Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care. Pediatric Dermatology. 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22995032/
7. Bakaa L, Pernica JM, Couban RJ, et al. Bleach baths for atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis including unpublished data, Bayesian interpretation, and GRADE. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35367346/
8. Park KS. Pharmacological Effects of Centella asiatica on Skin Diseases: Evidence and Possible Mechanisms. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2021. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8627341/