Rather than a single condition, eczema is actually a reaction pattern found in various skin problems. Roughly 32% of the U.S. population is affected by a certain form of eczema. Here are some of the most common types of eczema:
Dyshidrotic Eczema and Other Types of Eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema is one of the most common types of eczema. It’s also referred to as dyshidrosis, cheiropompholyx, or simply pompholyx. You may hear it as the foot-and-hand eczema. It produces small, fluid-containing blisters that are seen on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet, which is why it’s known as the vesicular or palmoplantar eczema, as well. Women are twice as likely to have this problem than men. It’s common among adults between 20-40 years old. That said, children may also be affected. It may run in families, as well. If you have a family member who had to deal with dyshidrosis, you may have it later on too.
Dyshidrotic eczema is commonly associated with seasonal allergies, which is why blisters often erupt during spring. They may last roughly three weeks before drying up, leaving your skin cracked, thick, and scaly. Deep-set blisters may be found on the edges of your toes, soles of the feet, fingers, and palms of your hands. As like any other types of eczema, skin itchiness and redness are also expected.
Apart from allergens, stress may trigger dyshidrosis attacks, as well. Dyshidrosis blisters may also erupt when your hands and feet are always moist, such as from excessive sweating. Researchers found that being in contact with nickel and cobalt, like zippers, mobile phones, or canned foods, may lead to this problem too.
Fortunately, dyshidrotic eczema is not a contagious problem. There are also things you can do to manage it. Good skin care and generous application of moisturizing creams are keys to prevent skin irritation and save your skin from further flare ups. For one, try soaking your hands and feet in cold water or applying warm compresses to the affected area two to four times a day for 15 minutes. Afterward, lather your extremities with rich moisturizer or skin barrier repair cream. For more severe cases of dyshidrosis, your doctor may prescribe topical steroids or phototherapy.
Nummular Eczema
Nummular eczema is derived from Latin which translates as “coin,” as the spots it produces are coin-like. Some may even misdiagnosis it as a fungal infection. It’s known as a type of eczema that may happen to anyone at any age. That said, it appears more frequently among males, particularly those aged between 55 and 65.
The pattern nummular eczema creates on your skin looks different from other forms of eczema. The accompanying symptoms also vary per person, making it challenging to treat. That said, it also causes skin drying and scaling, like other types of eczema. Some spots may be itchy or not at all. Like dyshidrosis, it’s also a familial problem, which is why it’s important to know if you have any relatives who had had it.
Insect bites, scrapes, scratches, chemical burns, or any other inflammatory condition may result in cause nummular eczema. Having poor blood circulation and dry skin, especially during the winter months, are also common triggers. Those who experience swelling in the lower legs and are frequently in contact with metals, like nickel, may have to deal with this problem too. Skin reaction to isotretinoin, interferon, and similar topical antibiotic creams may produce the same reaction, as well.
Steroid-containing medications may help control the inflammation. In case you can’t take them or you don’t respond well to this option, phototherapy, coal-tar creams, and non-corticosteroid topical medications are great alternatives. Proper moisturizing regimen can calm and protect your skin, as well. With the right treatment, you can expect nummular eczema coin rashes to clear up completely.
Atopic Eczema
Atopic eczema, popularly referred to as atopic dermatitis, is the most common type of eczema. In fact, more than 18 million Americans have this problem. It often begins during your childhood, usually in the first six months of your life. It’s also an enduring form of eczema, some even have it until their older years. It may disappear as you get older. That said, flare-ups may happen in your adulthood.
The cause of atopic dermatitis remains a gray area. That said, experts believe that your genes and a combination of other factors may be the reason behind it. Having family members who have this problem makes you more likely of having it, as well. It also often exists along with two other allergic conditions: hay fever and asthma.
Studies revealed that some people with eczema, particularly the atopic form, have mutated genes responsible for producing filaggrin. Filaggrin is a protein that helps keep a healthy, protective barrier on the topmost layer of your skin. Without it, moisture can easily escape your skin, allowing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to easily enter. This is why many individuals with atopic eczema have dry and infection-prone skin.
When something triggers your immune system, it may overreact and initiate an inflammatory response. This cause your skin to turn red, swollen, and itchy, particularly on your cheeks, arms, and legs. Avoid scratching your skin as this may cause atopic dermatitis flare ups. You may have eczema around your eyes or eczema on your eyelids.
Wearing clothes made of non-irritating materials may help avoid atopic eczema flare ups. Avoid using solvents containing harsh substances, such as laundry detergent, surface cleaners, or dishwashing soap, as they may dry and irritate your skin. Stress and hormonal changes may trigger atopic dermatitis, as well. Sweating and staying in places that are too hot or too cold may result in this problem.
You may take over-the-counter medications to control the inflammation on your skin. For more severe cases, you may be prescribed immunosuppressant or anti-inflammatory medications. Phototherapy is another equally effective option. You should also watch out for signs of infection, like skin redness, heat, and pus-filled bumps. You should establish a bathing and moisturizing daily routine, as well.
Discoid Eczema
Nummular eczema is also referred to as nummular dermatitis or discoid eczema. It causes coin-like rashes on your skin that resembles that produced when you have fungal infections. Constantly keeping your skin moisturized can help manage this problem.
Eczema Herpeticum
Eczema herpeticum is an infection caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus. It’s the same one that causes cold sores in and around your mouth, more popularly known as “oral herpes.” That said, these cold sores may appear on other parts of your body, as well.
The risk of having eczema herpeticum increases when you have atopic dermatitis or other inflammatory skin problems. It’s easily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and can be very serious, especially when it spreads all over your body. What makes it more threatening is that it commonly affects infants and children at tender ages.
Eczema herpeticum produces red, fluid-filled blisters that commonly erupts on your face and neck. Your hands are usual sites, as well. Not only are the blisters itchy, they can be painful too. They may also let out pus when they break open. These symptoms may be accompanied by high fever, chills, and swollen lymph glands. If left untreated, this may eventually cause corneal infections, organ failure, and even death.
How to Get Rid of Eczema
Treating eczema primarily depends on what type you have. This is why it’s best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional to ensure an accurate diagnosis and proper management of this problem. Whether you have dyshidrotic, nummular, or any other type of eczema, observing proper skin care is important to relieve your symptoms and manage this problem.
Soap for Eczema
One of the best things you can do is to use mild, non-irritating soaps. They don’t usually contain dyes, perfumes, or other chemicals that are harsh or drying on your skin. A good example you should try is The Eczema Soap. Not only is it made of natural ingredients, it’s also a clinically tested homeopathic soap handmade in the U.S.
It has fucus vesiculosus (tinc), hydrocotyle asiatica (tinc), yogurt extract, and sodium palmate. It also contains three times of aloe and melissa officinalis. Sodium cocoate, glycerin, avena sativa (oat), and kernel flour were added too. It has cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, sodium citrate, alcohol, and sodium chloride, as well. All these are approved and registered with the Food and Drug Administration.
Dyshidrotic Eczema Treatments and Other Types of Eczema Treatment
Eczema treatment plans are generally directed at its roots. While the cause of eczema is unknown, avoiding its triggers can help. For those with dyshidrotic eczema, for example, you should take extra measures to protect yourself during hay fever seasons. If you have atopic eczema, keep your skin moisturized to prevent other problems, like eczema herpeticum.
About Deanna Wallin and Naples Soap Company (Specific to Eczema)
As someone who has struggled with eczema herself, Deanna Wallin, Naples Soap Company Founder & CEO, understands your needs. She used her knowledge and experience as a nurse and licensed aesthetician to create a solution to this problem. With her persistence and dedication, she was able to develop a collection dedicated to treat eczema and other skin problems, known as The Eczema Kit™.
The Eczema Kit is a nine-item regimen formulated to effectively cleanse, soothe, and treat your affected skin. It contains a bar of The Eczema Soap and two Sea Salt Soaps. They help detoxify your pores, which is great news for those with acne. The Sea Salt Scrub, on the other hand, gently exfoliates your skin, improving blood circulation in your body. Meanwhile, the Body Butter helps lock in moisture, giving your skin the nourishment it needs.
The Face Cream can be used in the morning and at night. For intensive moisturizing while on the go, you can count on the Moisturizer Stick. The Shampoo and Conditioner Bars are ideal for those with sensitive scalps. They also come in a travel case, so you can continue your regimen wherever you may be. This way, you won’t have to worry about eczema flare ups, letting you enjoy your time away from home.
To learn more about the different types of eczema and the wonders of The Eczema Kit, get in touch with us at (239) 325-8263 or (888) 256-8265. You may also send us a message or shop online. We look forward to hearing from you.