Eczema is a word that describes a group of conditions that cause irritation or inflammation of the skin. It is an extremely common condition that afflicts over 30 million people in the United States alone.
What is Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, is the most common variety and affects over 17.8 million Americans. People who have it also often have asthma and/or hay fever. The condition can run in families, and it usually first appears during the first six months of life. Atopic dermatitis is also one of the most severe forms of eczema, and the outbreaks can last weeks or months. Mercifully, the condition usually, but not always, goes away as a child gets older. The symptoms can include the following:
What is Dyshidrotic Eczema?
This is another common type, and it is twice as likely to affect women as it is men. It is believed to be caused by stress or allergies. It is sometimes also called palmoplantar eczema or hand-and-foot eczema, since the symptoms are centered on the hands and feet. Those symptoms can include:
What is Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a variant of eczema in which the symptoms are triggered by physical contact with an allergen or irritant. There are several different types of contact dermatitis, including irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis and contact urticarial. Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common type and is characterized by its speed; contact with an irritant causes the skin to quickly or even immediately become inflamed. Allergic contact dermatitis is slower; it can take days for the skin to become inflamed. In both cases, the affected skin becomes red and itchy. In contact urticarial, the patient develops hives.
What is Stasis Dermatitis?
Stasis dermatitis is also sometimes called venous stasis dermatitis, for it affects people with circulatory problems. This condition usually affects the legs and feet. In the early stages, the symptoms can include:
If the condition goes untreated, the patient develops open sores and becomes susceptible to infection. As their condition worsens, their skin thickens and develops characteristic scars.
What is Hand Eczema?
This is another common form of eczema, and it affects about 10 percent of the population in the United States. It is also sometimes called hand dermatitis or “dishpan hands.” It is caused by a combination of genetics and exposure to various allergens. People like hairdressers, nurses or maids who routinely work with chemicals or other irritants are most susceptible to the condition. Hand eczema affects only the hands. The symptoms can include:
Learn More About Your Options
Schedule a consultation at Metro Dermatology to learn about how your symptoms can be controlled. Our offices are located in Elmhurst, Flushing, Englewood and the Bronx. Contact us today to book your appointment.
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