ANSWER:
The most common type of eczema is atopic eczema. Atopic eczema rash is marked by dryness thickening, excoriation, and even scarring. This chronic condition is not contagious; the cause is hereditary and usually begins in infancy as a rash on the scalp, face or upper extremities of the baby. Atopic eczema is most commonly located in areas where the body bends or experiences contact thus creating friction that can cause eczema. Causes of atopic eczema include soap, harsh chemicals, heat and humidity, stress, certain foods (most common offenders include eggs, milk, wheat, soy protein, and peanut). Many of these ingredients can turn up in unusual places, such as all-natural soaps, makeup, cream or lotions. Inhalant allergens such as house dust mites, pets, pollen and cut grass are also triggers that can cause eczema.

Seborrheic eczema is most commonly associated with flaking and sometimes redness of the skin. This occurs when there is inflammation of the skin where sebaceous glands are concentrated. This type of eczema rash can affect the face, chest, eyebrows and eyelids, nose, ears, chin, forehead, and most commonly affects the scalp. The symptoms can be unpleasant, unattractive, and uncomfortable especially during the winter months when there is less sunlight. Seborrheic eczema begins with dry or greasy scaling of the scalp areas, which become red, oily and may possibly cause itching. It is often thought of as a severe case of dandruff accompanied at times by an odor, which is caused by the buildup of bacteria on the scalp.

Perioral dermatitis is an eczema rash that affects mostly women. This rash usually occurs as redness around the mouth, the symptoms of perioral dermatitis may also include small red bumps or even pus bumps and mild peeling. Treatments include using a non-tartar, non-fluoride toothpaste. Lip balms, lipstick, mouthwash or toothpaste can also cause perioral dermatitis.

Contact eczema is an inflammatory response by the skin to an outside allergen or irritant. This type of eczema rash is caused by an allergic reaction through contact with an irritant. Substances that cause contact eczema include household items, clothing, cosmetics, and plants. The types of substance that cause the symptoms to appear can further define contact eczema. A substance that has a direct toxic effect or exposure to an irritant produces irritant contact eczema and a skin reaction can occur immediately or gradually after repeat exposure. Examples of substances that cause irritant contact eczema include acids, certain toilet bowl cleaners or drain cleaners, oven cleaners, detergents, ammonia, lye, cement, turpentine, and paint thinners. Allergic contact eczema will trigger an immunologic response that causes inflammation called a skin allergy. Examples of substances that cause allergic contact eczema include poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak, dyes, fragrances, leather, rubber compounds (gloves and shoes) and nickel (jewelry accessories). Itching and burning are common symptoms in both types of contact dermatitis. Typically the symptoms of contact dermatitis include redness, swelling and oozing. If left untreated, contact dermatitis can result in dry, thickened, cracked skin. The webs of the fingers, back of the hands and forearms are common sites of contact. Local contact with an allergen followed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight) can cause photo allergic eczema rash.

The symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema include itching of the hands and feet, which can cause a sudden onset of blisters. Symptoms of this rash include burning pain or itching may be experienced before blisters appear. The cause of dyshidrotic eczema may be sensitivity to nickel or other metals such as chromium or cobalt, also fragrances, fungal infection, stress, aspirin, oral contraceptives, smoking, and implanted metals. Dyshidrotic eczema is a form of hand eczema, which is more common in women and starts on the sides of the fingers as itchy little bumps and then develops into a rash. Dyshidrotic eczema may affect only the feet. Some patients have involvement of both hands and feet. It takes a long time for skin to recover, and unless you’re careful, the dermatitis will reoccur. The symptoms of hand eczema include red, itchy, scaly, cracked skin with blisters up to one inch in diameter, usually on the palms of the hands. Dentists are prone to hand eczema. The cause of hand eczema is usually a combination of sensitive skin and irritation or an allergic reaction from materials touched. Prevention and avoidance can be a powerful treatment. The following suggestions will be helpful for anyone with symptoms of hand eczema: wear waterproof or cotton-lined gloves, avoid contact with soaps, detergents, scouring powders, and irritating chemicals. Wear waterproof gloves when peeling or squeezing lemons, oranges, or grapefruit, peeling potatoes, or handling tomatoes. Wear heavy-duty gloves while gardening, wash dishes in a dishwasher,