Eczema (pronounced eg-zuh-ma) is basically a group of various conditions which make the skin red, itchy, hot, dry and inflamed. There are many types of eczema that cause distinctive reaction patterns in the skin, which can be either acute or chronic and due to a number of causes.

The condition is very common but it is not contagious. Often, it is used synonymously with the term “dermatitis” which is a superficial inflammation of the epidermis (skin) that can be acute and chronic; owing to a number of causes. This is why another commonly used term to define eczema would be atopic dermatitis.

Eczema can manifest on any part of the body. It is also a condition that can be seen in infants. However, in infants, it usually occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp and neck. The regions affected by the condition are dry, thickened or scalp in appearance. One may also see some hyperpigmentation. In kids and in adults, eczema generally manifests on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp and neck. The itchy rash could also show oozing and crusting. The repeated scratching can give a leathery texture to the skin due to thickening (lichenification).

Types of Eczema

There are two groups of eczemas: Exogenous and endogenous.
While overlap between the two groups is common, distinction between them is critical for treatment because avoidance of incriminating contactants takes precedence over other measures in the management of exogenous eczema.

Classification of Eczema

Exogenous

  • Contact Dermatitis – Primary Irritant or Allergic Contact
  • Photodermatitis
  • Phytodermatitis
  • Photophytodermatitis
  • Hypostatic Or Varicose Eczema
  • Lichen Simplex
  • Autosensitization Dermatitis

Endogenous

  • Atopic
  • Seborrheic
  • Discoid
  • Asteatotic
  • Gravitational
  • Localized neurodermatitis
  • Pompholyx

Symptoms of Eczema

  • In the former, there is no secretion whereas in the latter, the patches may “weep,” either by scratching or without it
  • Redness and swelling, usually with ill-defined margin
  • Papules, vesicles and more rarely, large blisters
  • Exudation and cracking
  • Scaling
  • Lichenification, a dry leathery thickening with increased skin markings, is secondary to rubbing and scratching
  • Fissures and scratch marks
  • Pigmentation