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Different Types Of Eczema And Their Causes

Different Types Of Eczema And Their Causes

Eczema is a well-known skin condition that causes the skin to become red, dry and very itchy. It can cause skin infections that must be treated with antibiotics in extreme cases. It can be found all over the body but it mostly affects the legs, arms and the area behind the knees.  Currently, over twenty percent of children in the United States have some form of eczema but it can affect people of all ages.   Currently, there is no cure for eczema. But by knowing the type of eczema their patient has, a doctor is able to provide some type of treatment to reduce the symptoms.

Atopic dermatitis is currently known as one of the most common types of eczema. It affects most children by the time they are age 1 and some adults as well. It is hereditary in families who have a history of hay fever and asthma. The skin usually flares due to a reaction to a food and environmental allergy such as milk, eggs, grass and pollen. To determine what is causing the reaction, it would be best to take an allergy test. Based on the findings of this test, you will be able to determine what your trigger for your eczema is so you can avoid it. Corticosteroid cream is often prescribed to relieve the itching and redness.

Contact dermatitis is the second most common types of eczema. It is caused when the skin is exposed to an allergen or an irritant such as poison ivy or detergent. By washing or removing the cause of the reaction from the skin, the rash will began to clear up. But it can take up to several weeks for the skin to heal.   During this time, you can use an over the counter corticosteroid cream or oral antihistamine such as Benadyal if you experience any itching.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema that affects the scalp and face.   It causes oily and scaly patches of skin on the face and scalp. It is known as cradle cap for infants and dandruff for adults. This type of eczema is also hereditary and reactions can occur due to stress and oily skin conditions. Most of the time there is no itching associated with seborrheic dermatitis. To treat the scalp, doctors usually prescribed a shampoo that contains salicylic acid or sulfur.   For other areas of the body, an ointment that contains vitamin B6 used to treat this condition.

You will be able to understand and treat your eczema better by increasing your knowledge about the different types of eczema that exist. You can be eczema free just by finding the right treatment just for you.