Different types of eczema and how you can treat them

Published: February 2023

Last reviewed: August 2025

Eczema is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It is commonly characterised by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin that can be uncomfortable and even painful.

It is important to become aware of the various types of eczema, because each one has their own unique treatments and triggers. This article details different types of eczema, how to prevent and treat eczema, and where it occurs on the body.

Eczema - also known medically as atopic dermatitis - covers various non-infectious inflammatory skin changes. They are often manifested by reddened, dry and itchy areas of skin. Eczema is commonly referred to as ‘dermatitis’, however, this is incorrect and can be misleading. Eczema is a group of skin conditions under the umbrella of dermatitis.

The typical symptoms of eczema include:

• itching  
• redness 
• blistering 
• oozing 
• crusting 
• scaling
• a coarser skin texture

There is acute and chronic eczema, although the symptoms are basically the same. Chronic eczema refers to long lasting eczema, which means individuals may experience eczema symptoms that flare-up more frequently. Although irritating and frustrating to deal with, it is not contagious. An acute and mild eczema that is not very pronounced will not cause severe flare-ups and can subside quickly with the help of proper care. As such, there are several types of eczema that can be triggered by various factors.

Skin eczema can occur on any part of the body.

Different age groups may be susceptible to eczema in specific places. These symptoms may appear simultaneously in various areas of the body for babies, children and adults.

Babies up to 2 years old:

• Stomach
• Legs
• Arms
• Cheeks
• Forehead

Ages 2 to 15 years old:

• Wrists
• Ankles
• Large folds such as inside the elbows and back of the knees
• Around the mouth, eyelids and behind the ears

Adults:

• On the face (especially the eyelids)
• Hands
• Large folds
• Neck

Despite the prevalence of eczema, there is no concrete known cause of eczema, however there are certain factors are known to cause or trigger the condition:

• Environmental factors, such as intense heat, dry humid air, and dampness, can cause your immune system to react which in turn leads to a change in your skin. For example, the dry humid air could cause your skin to become dry and itchy, while intense heat can make your skin sweaty or itchy. Exposure to things like smoke and air pollutants can also cause eczema to appear.
• Genetic factors, such as other members of your family also having eczema, can cause you to develop dermatitis. Being aware of your eczema type and triggers can help you and your family manage the condition. It's also possible that you have a genetic mutation that causes your skin's barrier function to not work as it should.
• Allergies, such as hay fever and dust mites, can trigger eczema due to the body's immune system reacting to the symptoms that occur. You may be at a higher risk of eczema if you have a family history of asthma and/or anxiety.
• Stress, as well as depression and anxiety, have been known to be linked to an increase in eczema flare-ups. It is important to minimise stress, not only for eczema, but because stress can contribute to a general decline in health and wellbeing. 
• Hormones are a particular concern for women because hormonal changes have been known to trigger eczema. These hormonal changes commonly occur throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
• Irritants, such as shampoo, makeup, and soap, are another cause because the skin is exposed to these irritants daily.
• Fabrics, such as wool and polyester, can irritate the skin due to friction and overheating, which could result in a flare-up. Suitable fabric alternatives for clothing include cotton, silk, and bamboo.

Most of the factors listed here are heavily tied to the body's natural immune system. When the immune system is triggered by one of the factors detailed here, the skin will begin to react, or defend itself, which leads to skin inflammation. Because this is a natural reaction, it is important to become aware of your own immune system’s response to these various triggers so you can treat and prevent your eczema flare-ups efficiently.

There are several types of eczema that can affect the skin and on various parts of the body. These types of eczema can all be caused by unique triggers. The most common types of eczema are: 

Atopic dermatitis – also known as atopic eczema – is a chronic inflammatory and non-contagious skin disease which can appear on both the face and the body. It is characterised by dry, flaky, highly irritable, and itchy skin while also being one of the most common types of eczema in babies (the other ones being seborrheic eczema and neurodermatitis). Its appearance usually presents itself in various colours, including red, brown, purple or grey. Atopic eczema can appear in the following areas:

• Eyelids, due to their sensitive nature, are especially vulnerable to the effects of atopic eczema, so it is vital to identify the symptoms and treatment for eyelid eczema. 
• Ear eczema, which is a common type of eczema that typically occurs around or behind the ears. It shares many of the same characteristics as other types of eczema and can be improved with proper care and treatment.
• Eczema on the scalp can easily be overlooked and misdiagnosed as dandruff so the ideal treatment is never pursued. However, atopic eczema on the scalp or seborrheic eczema could be the true cause of a dry, flaky, and dandruff-filled scalp.  
• Hands are one of the most common areas for eczema flare-ups to occur. Your hands are extremely vulnerable to irritation from everyday activities such as carrying objects, washing your hands, and handling food. Learning how to care for eczema on the hands will allow you to navigate these daily activities more easily.
• Your face is constantly exposed to the triggers of eczema, such as the weather, allergies, and irritants, so learning how to protect and treat eczema on the face is essential.

Atopic dermatitis typically occurs simultaneously in people that are asthmatic and have hay-fever, which can also be passed on genetically. Find out more about general atopic dermatitis.

Seborrheic eczema or seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic form of eczema and causes a rash that occurs primarily on the head, eyebrows and around the nose and causes fatty scaling and redness. These areas are typically oilier than other areas of the body, which makes them more prone to seborrheic eczema. It can also affect the upper and central chest.

This type of eczema can be recurrent, meaning it can flare up often when triggered by things like stress, hormonal changes in the body, cold weather and hygiene.

The allergic contact eczema (also known as contact dermatitis) most often occurs on the arms and hands, as these parts of the body most often come into contact with potentially irritating substances. Substances that can cause irritation or an allergic reaction include things like poison ivy or nickel. Irritant contact dermatitis is slightly different and occurs when irritant substances like chemicals or soaps cause direct damage to the skin.

General symptoms of contact dermatitis can include itching, swelling, redness and potentially blisters if it’s severe. Contact dermatitis does not typically spread and is usually only present on the area of the skin that was affected by the irritant or allergen. However, without proper care or treatment, it can become severe if the exposure continues.

Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of contact dermatitis here.

The cause of the occurrence of dyshidrotic eczema, also known as pompholyx, is yet unexplained, but it often affects people who already suffer from other types of eczema. It manifests itself in small, intensely itchy blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and edges of the fingers and toes. Over time, these blisters can cause discomfort and are sometimes filled with fluid. Some triggers for dyshidrotic eczema are seasonal allergies, stress, certain metals like cobalt or nickel or excessive moisture on the hands and feet.

This type of eczema is more frequently seen in older children and adults and often occurs in cycles. These cycles are characterised with flare-ups which can last for weeks before calming down and subsiding. Managing this type of eczema is done either with antihistamines, lifestyle modifications or even topical steroids.

Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of dyshidrotic eczema here.

Nummular eczema, also known as discoid eczema, is a type of eczema that can appear on arms, legs, hands, or the torso. It is characterised by scattered circular, itchy and, in some cases, oozing patches. They can also be described as ‘coin-shaped’ and can become crusty or scaly. Nummular eczema can sometimes be mistaken for ringworm, due to the sharing of some similarities.

Stasis dermatitis, also called venous eczema or gravitational dermatitis, is a type of eczema that affects people with venous insufficiency, or poor circulation in the lower legs. Thus, it mostly appears on the lower legs of elder people, who often suffer from the two phenomena. Symptoms of this condition include swelling, itching and redness as well as the skin becoming dry, discoloured and scaly over a period.

This type of eczema is most prevalent in older adults and those with underlying vein issues, like varicose veins and frequent blood clots in the past.

Neurodermatitis, also known as lichen simplex chronicus, is a type of eczema that is characterised by itchy patches that are worsened by intense itching, which can lead to a rash on any part of the body. It can be triggered by stress, and without any treatment, these intense rashes can cause the skin to become thick and leather-like.

As mentioned, eczema can occur in various areas of the body, and it is possible to have more than one type. This can occur at the same time, or at different times on multiple parts of the body. Rather than self-diagnosing, it’s important to seek medical advice from a dermatologist, as they will be able to diagnose and advise you on medical treatments to help address any flare-ups of more than one eczema type.

Severe eczema – also known as severe atopic dermatitis – may cause intense periods of itching or a burning feel of the skin. Some people report that it often feels like being poked with needles repeatedly. Eczema is typically not serious and should not cause any complications or infections if managed properly, however, those with severe types of eczema may experience the symptoms associated above.

Depending on the origin, the type of eczema and frequency of flare-ups, different measures will help. Therefore, the most important thing is to closely monitor yourself and your body to find out what triggers flare-ups and what helps your skin particularly well.

You can help reduce symptoms of eczema and regenerate your skin with special care products. Moisturising skincare helps to hydrate dry, itchy skin and alleviate eczema.

For eczema on the body, Eucerin AtoControl Body Care Lotion is a daily-use body lotion that has been specially formulated to soothe and intensely moisturise irritated and itchy skin. With regular application, atopic dermatitis improves significantly, making the skin feel soft and smooth. You can also apply the lotion daily on very dry skin with mild symptoms of eczema.

For flare-ups, AtoControl Acute Care Cream helps to care for atopic skin and is also suitable for babies as well as adults. It provides immediate itch relief, is anti-irritation and anti-scratching to prevent you from making symptoms worse. The cream can be applied as often as needed for flare-up areas, and will provide immediate skin calming.

If your type of eczema is affecting your face, the AtoControl Face Care Cream offers a basic daily care for skin with atopic dermatitis on the face, by reducing redness and itching as well as soothing and intensively nourishing the skin. 

In any case, you should consult your dermatologist if you have symptoms of eczema, as they will be able to advise you on further treatment.

In the cold season, the heating air dries out the room air, which also can lead to an increased moisture loss of your skin. The increased dryness of your skin allows pollutants and allergens to penetrate the skin more easily, which can worsen atopic dermatitis or lead to itchy eczema. Set up humidifiers in the winter, nourish the skin with oil baths for relief and use afterwards daily the appropriate skincare.

Especially suitable for the care of extremely dry and irritated skin, as it occurs with atopic eczema, is the Eucerin AtoControl care series. The products contain omega-6 fatty acids, and Licochalcone A which help to replenish and hydrate the skin.

AtoControl Bath and Shower Oil is a gentle daily cleanser for those with atopic dermatitis on the skin and is suitable for adults, children and newborns. It’s enriched with a high concentration of Omega-3 & Omega-6 oils and is soap free to gently cleanse and soothe symptoms of atopic skin.

As you may be more susceptible to dryness and eczema triggers in the winter months, it’s important to keep the skin hydrated as frequently as possible, as well as keeping the skin hydrated for long periods of time.

Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray provides intensive moisturisation with an innovative body ointment spray, allowing 360-degree reach which can be used continuously and upside down. It's ideal for those with very dry, irritated body skin and those who experience eczema particularly in the colder months.

To prevent relapses and provide relief from the symptoms of eczema, you can do the following:

The first step is to avoid the triggering material. This can be substances such as nickel or certain care and cleaning products. Triggers can also be stress and food, as well as pollutants, some medications, smoking and certain medical conditions.

With eczema, it does not help to lead a healthy lifestyle only occasionally. This is because the susceptibility to new flare-ups remains. Therefore, you will do yourself and your skin a favour if you bring consistency into your daily routine, throw bad habits overboard and integrate healthy routines.

Even if eczema itches terribly, you should avoid scratching if possible. This makes the symptoms even more severe and the urge to scratch greater – an itch-scratch cycle develops. Learn more about the atopic skin cycle.

To avoid scratching, you can help yourself by distracting yourself, using cool water or cold packs or wrapping bandages around the itchy areas.

In summer, the heat can increase itching and other symptoms of eczema. Use thin blankets at night to avoid sweating too much. On hot summer days, you can refresh your skin with a cool shower. After showering, and in your daily skin care routine, use products that are specially formulated to meet the needs of dry and hypersensitive skin.

The environment in which you move and with which you literally come into contact has a great influence on the skin’s condition.

Here are some tips for an allergy-free bedroom:

• Use mite covers for the mattress.
• Vacuum the mattress regularly.
• Ensure mould does not build up in corners of bedroom, clean thoroughly if they do.
• Wash the bed linen weekly at a minimum of 60°C.
• Always wear pyjamas and change them regularly.
• Prefer smooth fabrics to avoid skin irritation.
• Mites love moisture. Therefore, you should air the comforters daily.