When it comes to eczema, there are different types which are determined by the symptoms, location and causes. The most common types of eczema in babies and infants are atopic eczema and seborrheic eczema, but as we get older we may develop other types of eczema. Below are some of the common types of eczema, together with their causes and symptoms, so that you can identify possible triggers.



Atopic eczema or dermatitis is a non-contagious, allergic skin condition most commonly found in babies and infants. It usually starts with a red rash on the cheeks, forehead and scalp, but can affect other areas such as creases of elbows, wrists, back of knees, thighs and buttocks. Not only can the skin become intensely itchy, it can blister and weep before drying out and crusting over. In severely affected areas the skin can become rough and thick. Atopic eczema tends to run in families and can be triggered by environmental factors such as house dust mites, pollen, cigarette smoke, and pet hair and dander. Not only that, allergies to certain foods such as milk, eggs and wheat can also cause atopic eczema.

Seborrheic Eczema is a skin rash that tends to appear in the first few weeks of life. The rash is most obvious on the face and scalp, but can be found in creases of the arms, legs and groin. It looks like thick, greasy and yellow scales on the head, with red scaling elsewhere, especially on the face, cheeks, eyebrows and behind the ears. In the creases, the rash looks moist and reddened. The only good thing about this type of eczema is that it is not itchy and does not cause too much distress to your baby.

Irritant Contact Eczema, unlike atopic dermatitis, is not linked to an allergy. The most affected area is the hands which can become red, dry and itchy after coming into contact with irritating chemicals. The people most commonly affected are those workers who come into constant contact with chemicals. Examples of such commonly affected professions are hairdressers, nurses, cleaners, food handlers, mechanics, painters and decorators and farm workers.

Allergic Contact Eczema usually develops within one to three days after the skin comes into contact with a substance or chemical which irritates the skin and causes an allergic response. This type of eczema is different from atopic dermatitis in that the rash first appears only at the site of contact with the irritant, but can later spread to other areas. Like irritant contact eczema, the skin becomes red, dry, and itchy. Common culprits are nickel (often found in cheap earrings, belt buckles and watch straps), perfumes, hair dyes, cosmetics, glues, rubber gloves, antihistamines and lanolin.

Nummular or Discoid Eczema uniquely consists of coin or oval shaped areas of eczema usually in areas like arms and legs and can often be mistaken for ringworm. This type of eczema often appears after an injury to the skin such as a burn, abrasion or insect bite. These patches can often itch, burn, weep and crust. Certain risk factors such as a history of atopic dermatitis, very dry skin, poor blood circulation and injury to the skin seem to increase the risk.

Varicose Eczema is a condition usually affecting the lower legs and ankles. People in their middle to late years are most likely to encounter this eczema, possibly due to poor circulation, having varicose veins and being overweight. Like the other types of eczema, the skin becomes dry and itchy. If not treated effectively, the condition can develop into ulcers.

In conclusion, eczema is classified by different types according to location, causes and symptoms. If you suffer with a skin rash and think it may be eczema, then it is important to know what to look out for so that you can avoid potential triggers. If you do develop a skin rash, you should immediately seek the advice of your doctor.