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Updated on March 2, 2023
Created on March 28, 2022
Atopic dermatitis is the most prevalent type of eczema, and it is usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think of it. Eczema is a chronic condition that many live with their entire lives, even if it starts in childhood and improves as they become older.
Your skin barrier, which keeps the good guys (such as moisture) in and protects you from the bad guys, is damaged if you have atopic dermatitis (like allergens, irritants, and bacteria).
Skin with a weakened barrier is prone to become dry, itchy, sensitive, and infected.
It is unclear what causes atopic dermatitis; however, it could be related to heredity. In truth, a mix of genetics, dry skin, an autoimmune disorder, and environmental triggers could be to blame.
Some symptoms of atopic dermatitis include:
Itchy skin
A rash on the inside of elbows or backs of knees
A rash on your baby’s scalp or cheeks
Thicker or discolored skin
A rash that bleeds or leaks fluid when you scratch
Easily infected skin
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping due to itching
Unfortunately, atopic dermatitis does not have a cure. Topical steroid or non-steroidal creams are used in some treatments, however there are various natural approaches to assist reduce the symptoms.
If you're seeking for natural eczema solutions for your infant, read our comprehensive parent's guide, bathe your baby with extra care, and put them in soft, breathable clothing to help prevent flare-ups.
It's also crucial to use a moisturiser formulated specifically for eczema-prone skin throughout the day and after bathing, such as Mustela's Stelatopia Emollient Balm.
Contact dermatitis is a simple one to remember because it is your skin's reaction to coming into contact with something causing irritations.
The actual cause could be a substance that causes an allergic reaction (allergic contact dermatitis) or one that simply irritates the skin (irritant contact dermatitis).
The allergy or irritation from contact dermatitis can be caused by a variety of materials, and what affects the skin may be different for each person!
Here are a few things that can cause this type of skin condition:
Laundry detergent
Bleach
Soap
Nickel
Wool
Poison ivy
Synthetic fragrances
Perfume
Latex
Itching, stinging, or burning
Dryness or cracking
Redness
Hives
Blisters
Your doctor can also do patch testing to find out what may be causing allergic contact dermatitis.
To relieve itching, your doctor may advise you to apply a steroid cream. Oral corticosteroids may be prescribed for more severe rashes.
Of course, the best and simplest way to avoid Contact Dermatitis is to avoid the cause of the rash in the first place! These irritants are often identified if the itching begins soon after contact with something or occurs in a specific area, such as where you frequently wear jewellery.
We recommend using hypoallergenic laundry detergent as well as soaps and cleansers that are certified by the Eczema Association Australasia like our Stelatopia Cleansing Gel and Stelatopia Cleansing Oil.
Patch testing can also be performed by your doctor to determine what is causing allergic Contact Dermatitis.
This type of eczema gets its name from the kind of rash it creates: round, coin-shaped red marks. If you’re not up on your Latin, “nummus” is a Latin word that means “coin,” so this skin condition is aptly named.
The exact cause of nummular eczema is unknown, but it is more common in men and people who also have atopic dermatitis.
Dry skin, stress, soap, surgery, scrapes on your skin, and reactions to bug bites are all triggers.
Circular patches that can itch or ooze
Spots typically on the arms or legs (but can be elsewhere)
Spots that are red, pink, or brown and scaly
Because this type of eczema is easily confused with other circular skin conditions, such as fungal infections, it's best to see a dermatologist to get proper treatment.
If you have an infection, they may give you topical corticosteroids or antibiotics.
Neurodermatitis is characterised by a cycle of itching and scratching, which causes your skin to itch even more.
Neurodermatitis, like some other types of eczema, has an unknown cause. It is more common in women, adults between the ages of 30 and 50, people with anxiety disorders, and people who have another type of eczema.
Tight, itchy clothing, as well as bug bites and dry skin, can all set off the neurodermatitis cycle.
One or two itchy patches
Dry, thick, scaly skin
Patches that bleed when scratched
Itching that increases when you’re stressed or anxious
To treat neurodermatitis, your doctor may recommend a topical steroid or non-steroid cream, both of which can help relieve itching.
Oral medication, numbing patches, applying plastic wrap after moisturizing or gauze with zinc oxide, relaxation techniques, and counselling are some other options.
To relieve general itching, take colloidal oatmeal baths, wear non-irritating clothing, and protect your skin with a fragrance-free moisturiser made with natural ingredients.
Mustela Stelatopia Emollient Balm or Stelatopia Emollient Cream are two options. Both are fragrance- and steroid-free.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of dermatitis that primarily affects the scalp and is known by several different names. In adults, this condition is commonly referred to as dandruff, whereas in babies, it is commonly referred to as "cradle cap."
Another type of eczema with an unknown cause is seborrheic dermatitis, which is thought to be an inflammatory reaction caused by an excess of Malassezia yeast. Hormone levels, oily skin, and genetics may also be factors.
Stress, extreme weather temperatures, the presence of other skin conditions, HIV, and depression are also triggers and conditions that make you more susceptible to seborrheic dermatitis.
Skin flakes
Areas of oily skin with white or yellow scales
Redness and swelling
To alleviate symptoms of a dry scalp, apply a gentle cream to your baby's scalp, such as Mustela's Cradle Cap Cream, and wash their hair with a gentle shampoo designed to reduce cradle cap flakes.
Adult treatment varies depending on the location of the Seborrheic Dermatitis, but the goal is to minimise flaking and scaling while calming itching and inflammation.
Washing and moisturizing your skin is essential, but additional treatments may include antifungal cream, steroid cream, or medicated shampoo.
This skin condition is also known as gravitational dermatitis, venous eczema, or venous stasis dermatitis, and it has to do with veins and blood flow.
Stasis dermatitis is caused by fluid leaking out of veins and accumulating under your skin and can develop as a result of poor circulation in your legs.
It is more common in people with high blood pressure, obesity, multiple pregnancies, and those who spend long periods of time sitting or standing.
Because venous insufficiency can be caused by more serious conditions, you should consult your doctor if you suspect you have this type of eczema.
Swelling in the lower legs or ankles
Orange-brownish spots
Discoloration
Varicose veins
Sores on lower legs or tops of feet
Your doctor will want to address the underlying cause of your stasis dermatitis and may prescribe antibiotics or a steroid to relieve inflammation if your skin has become infected.
Wear compression socks to reduce swelling and elevate your feet above your heart whenever possible.
Dyshidrotic eczema causes small, itchy blisters on your hands and feet, particularly the palms, soles of your feet, and the sides of your fingers and toes. As a result, it is frequently referred to as foot-and-hand eczema.
Dyshidrotic eczema is more common in women, adults aged 20 to 40, and those with another type of eczema, but the exact cause is unknown.
Allergies, stress, metals, heat, and humidity are all potential triggers for a flare-up.
Itchy or painful blisters
Patches on the palms, soles of feet, and the sides of fingers and toes
Red, dry, cracked, or scaly skin
Itching, scales, or dry skin
If your dyshidrotic eczema is caused by a fungal infection or you are at risk of developing a skin infection, your doctor may advise you to follow a specific regimen or take medications.
Otherwise, washing your skin and thoroughly patting it dry can help, as can applying a gentle but protective moisturiser, reducing stress, avoiding triggers, and applying cold compresses.
There are natural ways to care for your skin regardless of the type of eczema you have. Keep in mind that steroid creams have a number of side effects.
After consulting with your doctor, use gentle products to soothe irritation and protect sensitive skin, such as Mustela's Stelatopia Foam Shampoo or Stelatopia Emollient Balm.
Our entire Stelatopia range is dermatologist tested, vegan, fragrance-free, and made with natural ingredients to soothe and replenish eczema-prone skin.
You are no longer in the dark if you understand the causes, solutions, and symptoms of the seven types of eczema. You are now prepared to find the best ways to protect yourself and your family!
