Different patterns of Eczema, according to type (2)

Hello Dear readers. This is a continuation of the classifications of eczema. In my previous post, I mentioned there are 10 types. 3 have been discussed here, the atopic and the contact(irritant and allergic) eczema.
A short summary: Eczema and dermatitis are used interchangeably, this is because they mean the same thing, that is inflammation of the skin.
Atopic eczema is genetic while contact both irritant and allergic) dermatitis manifests due to contact with chemicals, nickel, etc.

Now, to the rest of the classification

Photosensitive

The rashes appear on exposed areas to sunlight, like the V-neck area of the chest, the back of hands. It is secondary to UV damage to the skin.


Use of Sunblock creams is recommended. Not only for the affected individuals but for everyone. Steroid ointments are also used for the treatment.

UV is used for therapy of skin diseases, it can also cause skin disease. Therefore, it is both harmful and therapeutic.

Asteatotic (means lack of oil/lipid, dry)

The pattern is similar to that of a plate, it looks cracked and has reddish areas. it occurs mostly in elderly people and in the winter period. it is associated with the drying of the skin due to overuse of soaps and the weather.

Avoiding soaps, keeping the skin hydrated is important in this case. The use of humidifiers is very helpful to avoid drying of the skin due to the heating.

Seborrheic

This occurs secondary to overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia furfur. The body's immune response is what results in eczema.

Itching In A Woman

When it develops in childhood, it is called  'cradle cap'. It does not come with itching, so the child is not disturbed by it. The better news is it goes away within a few weeks.

In young adults, especially males it is widespread on the body. The rash is scaly and red and it can manifest anywhere on the body, including the genitals.

In old people, it is more severe.

It is treated mainly with steroid ointment, anti-fungal medication.

People with conditions like HIV are more affected.

Hand eczema

From the name, the eczema is confined to the hands and sometimes the feet.

When it develops...

• On the Palms and sides of the fingers, they are blisters and are itchy.


• On the palms, they are scaly, thickened and red(inflamed).


• At the fingertips, the eczema is scaly and it peels.

Venous

This type of eczema is seen mostly in older people, especially women. it is observed on areas where the veins are stretched due to venous hypertension for a long period of time. It is mostly on the lower parts of the body.

The varicose veins on the legs of an older woman

Discoid

This type may be confused with psoriasis, except it is not chronic/persistent. In other words, there is a full recovery. There is usually an infection with bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) that causes it.

Lichen simplex/Nodular prurigo (neurodermatitis)

They are both due to chronic itching, which leads to rubbing and scratching.

The pattern of lichen simplex is darkened, thickened and scaly areas, while that of nodular prurigo is bumpy skin, mixed sizes of rashes.

Illustration depicting a steroid cream treatment product arranged over white.

Treatment of all of the above conditions involves prevention of the causes, use of steroids (varying potencies and modes of application like ointments or pills) on the basic level. In situations where there are bacterial or fungal infections, they have to be treated as well.

• Source for both posts on Eczema added a bit of my knowledge and I made it as simple as I could: Kumar and Clark's Clinical Medicine.

Thank You for reading.

Yours in the flawless skin journey, Nafisah NK