🧬 The 7 Main Types of Eczema – Explained Simply

Eczema isn’t just one condition — it’s a group of related skin disorders that cause inflammation, dryness, and itchiness. Each type has its own triggers, symptoms, and treatment approaches.

Let’s explore the 7 main types of eczema:

1. Atopic Dermatitis (The Most Common Type)

• Who it affects: Babies, children, and adults

• Symptoms: Dry, red, itchy skin; often behind knees, elbows, or on the face and neck

• Causes: Genetic tendency, allergies, asthma, hay fever

• Triggers: Soaps, weather changes, stress, allergens

• Fact: This is the classic long-term (chronic) eczema most people think of

2. Contact Dermatitis

• Who it affects: Anyone who comes into contact with irritants or allergens

• Symptoms: Red, stinging, burning rash where skin touches something irritating

• Causes: Reactions to substances like detergent, metals, perfumes, or latex

• Types:

  • Irritant Contact Dermatitis – reaction to things like bleach or soap

  • Allergic Contact Dermatitis – immune system reacts to allergens like nickel

• Fact: It goes away when the trigger is avoided

3. Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx)

• Who it affects: Mostly adults under 40, more common in women

• Symptoms: Small, itchy blisters on hands, fingers, and feet

• Causes: Stress, sweating, allergies, or contact with metals

• Triggers: Heat, sweat, detergents, emotional stress

• Fact: Can be very itchy and painful — especially during flare-ups

4. Nummular Eczema (Discoid Eczema)

• Who it affects: Adults (often men)

• Symptoms: Round, coin-shaped patches of irritated skin

• Causes: Unknown, but linked to dry skin and allergens

• Triggers: Skin injuries, cold weather, allergens

• Fact: The word "nummular" comes from Latin for "coin"

5. Seborrhoeic Dermatitis (Seborrheic Eczema)

• Who it affects: Adults (especially men), babies (cradle cap)

• Symptoms: Red, scaly, oily patches – especially on scalp, face, and chest

• Causes: Overgrowth of yeast on the skin (Malassezia)

• Triggers: Stress, cold weather, hormonal changes

• Fact: In babies, it’s usually mild and called cradle cap

6. Neurodermatitis (Lichen Simplex Chronicus)

• Who it affects: Adults with chronic itching or anxiety

• Symptoms: Thick, leathery, itchy patches from repeated scratching

• Causes: Starts with a trigger (like stress or bug bites), then worsens from scratching

• Triggers: Emotional stress, dry skin, friction

• Fact: It’s often linked to obsessive scratching habits

7. Stasis Dermatitis (Varicose Eczema)

• Who it affects: Older adults with poor blood circulation, often in the legs

• Symptoms: Swollen, itchy, reddish-brown skin around ankles and lower legs

• Causes: Fluid leaks from weakened veins into the skin

• Triggers: Standing for long periods, varicose veins, circulation problems

• Fact: Can lead to ulcers if untreated

🧴 Final Thoughts – Knowing Your Eczema Type Matters

Each type of eczema has its own root causes, flare-up patterns, and ideal treatments. If you're unsure what type you or your child has, it’s best to see a GP or dermatologist — they can help confirm it and recommend the right care.

At Eczema Eaze, we help you understand eczema and recommend the best products, tips, and lifestyle changes that suit your condition — whether it’s hand eczema, scalp eczema, or full-body flare-ups.