Eczema – Types, early signs, and triggers
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that results in blistered, dry, and scaly patches on the skin. Eczema is a group of skin disorders. Each type results in a mix of symptoms that are similar and distinct. It is most frequently characterized by itchy skin. This skin condition can appear in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, with severity ranging from mild to severe. Here are a few of the early signs of various types of eczema.
Early signs of eczema
There are several types of eczema, and each has its own set of symptoms. Among the types are:
Atopic dermatitis
This is the most common type of eczema. In this case, it starts as a severe itch. Severely irritated skin may crack and bleed or drip clear liquid. Other symptoms vary according to age and the severity of the illness. Symptoms in babies include dry, itchy skin, fussiness, and difficulty sleeping.
Adults typically exhibit symptoms on their hands, eyelids, and beneath their eyes. It causes thick, dry, cracked skin that itches or burns. Eczema most commonly appears behind the knees and inside the elbows. It can also appear on the neck, wrists, ankles, and the tops of the thighs. The skin may swell, darken, and thicken over time.
Contact dermatitis
This type of eczema is caused by an allergic reaction to something that comes into contact with the skin, most commonly the hands or face. It causes severe itching, which is followed by a rash and tender, uncomfortable skin. Further symptoms include blisters and thick, leathery skin after repeated contact with the triggers.
Dyshidrotic eczema
This eczema is caused by abnormal sweating. Signs only appear on the palms of the hands, the sides of the fingers, and, on rare occasions, the soles of the feet. This condition causes severe irritation and even discomfort or tingling, followed by tiny, irritating blisters, sweat on blistered areas, and peeling skin after the blisters have healed. It may also cause a change in nail color and thickness.
There are several types of eczema, but most share the same symptoms of dry, itchy skin with bumps, rashes, and swelling. This skin disorder can cause symptoms to appear anywhere on the body. The most commonly affected areas are the hands, neck, elbows, ankles, feet, and face, especially the cheeks and lips.
Triggers of eczema
The skin condition affects everyone differently, and people may have different triggers. However, some of the most common triggers for flare-ups are dry weather, fabrics or clothing materials, makeup or skincare items, pollutants, soaps and detergents, and smoke. This condition can occasionally occur due to stress and other emotional factors. To avoid problems later, it is usually necessary to consult a dermatologist about all symptoms.