There are numerous different inflammatory conditions that affect the skin. Eczema is an umbrella term for many of them. This skin condition is treatable, and the first step towards getting some relief is recognizing that you have the condition in the first place. Below is an overview of several of the most common types of eczema, plus a quick guide to spotting the condition for yourself.
It Isn’t the Same for Everyone
The word “eczema” can refer to a number of different conditions. All of them have a few key symptoms in common: they cause itching, rashes, and scaliness of the skin. Here are a few of the more specific skin conditions that are sometimes go by this name.
Atopic Dermatitis
Most people with eczema have this type. It tends to affect a person for their whole lifetime, and it can become severe. Atopic dermatitis can be inherited, much like an autoimmune disorder, and often goes hand-in-hand with allergies.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
If you have a rash of tiny, bubble-like blisters on your hands and feet, you probably have this type of skin condition. The blisters usually itch, and they may be filled with fluid.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
If you tend to get flaky or scaly skin on oily parts of your body, like your scalp, ears, and face, then you could have seborrheic dermatitis.
Spotting the Signs of Eczema
Every condition that falls under the eczema umbrella causes skin irritation. But aside from that main characteristic, symptoms can vary from person to person. The severity of symptoms can also vary from mild to severe. If any of the symptoms below sound familiar to you, you may want to look into whether eczema could be the cause.
- Your skin often itches intensely for a day or two before breaking out in a rash.
- Your skin sometimes cracks or looks crusty.
- Your skin breaks out in small blisters, especially on your hands and feet.
- Your breakouts are cyclical.
- You have thickened patches of skin from your flare-ups.
- You’ve noticed that you get rashes when you come into contact with a particular chemical or material.
- Your skin feels dry and looks dull.
Getting the Condition Under Control
Would you like to feel like you’re controlling your skin condition, instead of the other way around? The experts at the office of Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD in Redlands and Sun City CA can help you take the first step toward fewer flare-ups and healthier skin. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
