Quick answer: Eczema, also called dermatitis, is a group of skin conditions that cause itchy, inflamed skin. The seven main types are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, discoid eczema, pompholyx, lichen simplex chronicus and venous eczema. Atopic dermatitis is the most common, affecting about 30% of Australian children.¹ In babies and children, the types parents see most often are atopic dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis (including cradle cap) and contact dermatitis.
The 7 types of eczema at a glance
| Type | Also known as | What it looks like | Who it mostly affects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atopic dermatitis | Atopic eczema | Dry, itchy, red patches that come and go in flares | Babies and children, sometimes continuing into adulthood |
| Contact dermatitis | Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis | Red, itchy rash where the skin touched a trigger | All ages |
| Seborrhoeic dermatitis | Cradle cap (babies), dandruff (adults) | Greasy, yellowish scales | Young babies and adults |
| Discoid eczema | Nummular eczema | Coin-shaped, very itchy patches | All ages |
| Pompholyx | Dyshidrotic eczema | Small, itchy blisters on the hands and feet | Mostly adults |
| Lichen simplex chronicus | Neurodermatitis | One or two thick, leathery patches from repeated scratching | Mostly adults |
| Venous eczema | Stasis or gravitational dermatitis | Itchy, discoloured skin on the lower legs | Mostly older adults |
1. Atopic dermatitis
The most common type, and the one most parents mean when they say "eczema". It affects about 30% of Australian children, according to Perth Children's Hospital,¹ often starting in the first year of life.
In atopic dermatitis, the skin doesn't hold on to moisture well, leaving it more open to irritants and allergens.² It tends to come and go in flares, and there's usually no single trigger.²
What it looks like: dry, itchy, red skin. In babies, it often appears on the cheeks and scalp. In older children, it tends to affect the skin creases, such as the inner elbows and behind the knees. Scratching can make the skin thicken, weep or become infected.
How it's managed: daily moisturising is the foundation, with prescribed treatment, such as a topical corticosteroid, during flares.¹ A daily routine with a gentle cleanser such as Stelatopia Cleansing Oil and a moisturiser such as Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream helps keep the skin comfortable. For a full routine, read our guide on how to care for eczema-prone skin.
2. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation caused by contact with an allergen or irritant, leading to redness and itching.³ There are two forms:
- Irritant contact dermatitis: caused by something that damages the skin, such as soap, detergent or saliva (common around babies' mouths).
- Allergic contact dermatitis: an allergic reaction to a substance such as nickel, fragrances or some plants.
What it looks like: a red, itchy, sometimes blistered rash, usually where the skin touched the trigger.
How it's managed: identify and avoid the trigger. Your doctor may recommend a steroid cream, or patch testing to find the cause.
3. Seborrhoeic dermatitis (including cradle cap)
Seborrhoeic dermatitis can occur on the scalp, face or torso, and in other areas that produce an oily substance called sebum.⁴ In babies, the most familiar form is cradle cap: yellowish, greasy, scaly patches on the scalp.⁵
What it looks like: greasy, yellowish scales on the scalp, eyebrows, behind the ears or in skin folds. In babies, it's usually not itchy.
How it's managed: cradle cap is usually harmless and settles over time. Gently wash your baby's scalp with a mild shampoo such as Newborn Foam Shampoo, and loosen the scales softly without picking them. Explore our cradle cap range. Adults may need a medicated shampoo or cream.
4. Discoid eczema (nummular eczema)
Discoid eczema causes coin-shaped areas of inflammation on the limbs or torso, and is usually very itchy.⁶ It can affect all age groups.
What it looks like: round, pink patches that may start flat and scaly, then thicken, ooze or crust.⁶ Dry skin can make it worse, and it often flares in winter.⁶
How it's managed: see your GP or a dermatologist, as discoid eczema can look like other conditions, such as tinea (ringworm) or psoriasis.⁷ Treatment usually includes moisturisers and prescribed creams.
5. Pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema)
What it looks like: small, deep, very itchy blisters on the palms, the soles of the feet, and the sides of the fingers and toes. The skin may later crack and peel.
Who it affects: mostly adults, and it's less common in children. Heat, sweating, stress and contact irritants can trigger flares.
How it's managed: pat hands and feet dry after washing, moisturise regularly, and see your doctor for prescribed treatment.
6. Lichen simplex chronicus (neurodermatitis)
What it looks like: one or two thick, leathery, itchy patches caused by repeated rubbing or scratching of the same spot, often on the neck, wrists or ankles.
Who it affects: mostly adults, and it rarely affects children. It can develop on top of atopic dermatitis when one area is scratched over and over.
How it's managed: breaking the itch–scratch cycle is key. A doctor may prescribe a stronger cream, and keeping the area covered and moisturised helps.
7. Venous eczema (stasis dermatitis)
What it looks like: itchy, dry, discoloured skin on the lower legs and ankles, often with swelling or varicose veins.
Who it affects: mostly older adults with poor circulation in the legs. It doesn't affect babies or children.
How it's managed: see a GP, as the underlying circulation problem needs treatment. Compression stockings and raising the legs often help.
Can you have more than one type of eczema?
Yes. Different types can overlap or follow one another. For example, some babies with seborrhoeic dermatitis go on to develop atopic dermatitis, and lichen simplex chronicus can develop on top of atopic dermatitis. If your child's rash changes, ask your GP to check it.
What skin conditions can look like eczema?
Some conditions are easily mistaken for eczema, including tinea (a fungal infection), psoriasis and pityriasis rosea.⁷ Impetigo, scabies and hives can also cause itchy, red rashes. If you're unsure what's affecting your child's skin, see your GP.
How to care for eczema-prone skin, whatever the type
- Moisturise daily, even when the skin looks clear.
- Use a soap-free, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Avoid known triggers and irritants, such as soap, rough fabrics and overheating.
- Use prescribed treatments as your doctor directs during flares.
For more, read our guides on how to bathe a baby with eczema and how to apply emollient cream.
When should you see a doctor?
See your GP if:
- you're not sure what type of rash your child has,
- the eczema isn't improving despite regular moisturising,
- the skin looks infected: very red, weepy, or crusted with yellow scabs,
- itching is disrupting your child's sleep.
Frequently asked questions about types of eczema
Which type of eczema do babies usually get?
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type in babies and children, affecting about 30% of Australian children.¹ Seborrhoeic dermatitis, including cradle cap, is also common in young babies.
Is cradle cap a type of eczema?
Cradle cap is a form of seborrhoeic dermatitis, which is one of the types of eczema.⁵ Unlike atopic dermatitis, it's usually not itchy and often clears on its own.
Is eczema contagious?
No. Eczema isn't contagious, whatever the type.⁸ If the skin becomes infected, though, the infection itself may need treatment, so see your GP.
Can adults get eczema?
Yes. Atopic dermatitis affects 4–9% of adults worldwide,⁹ and some types, such as venous eczema and pompholyx, mainly affect adults.
References
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Eczema – A guide for health professionals.
- ASCIA. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) – Fast Facts.
- Healthdirect Australia. Contact dermatitis.
- Healthdirect Australia. Seborrhoeic dermatitis.
- Healthdirect Australia. Cradle cap.
- Australasian College of Dermatologists. Discoid eczema (A–Z of skin, updated March 2024).
- DermNet. Discoid eczema.
- Gold Coast Health. Eczema and Wet Wraps Information – Children's Hospital in the Home.
- Mustela Australia. Study on Atopic Dermatitis in infants, children and adults.
This article provides general information and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist or dermatologist about any skin rash.
