Less Common Types of Eczema

In the last article, we touched on dyshidrosis, which is one of the less common types of eczema. In truth, what should have been done first was to give a brief overview of all the less common forms of eczema first before getting into details. At the end of the day, you may be asking yourself “does that really matter”? Speaking for myself, for organizational purposes, I would have preferred to have set the stage (so to speak) for going in depth about the less common eczema so you know what to expect going in.

And with that, the following article will be a brief but informative view of the less common types of eczema.

The Less Common Types of Eczema

Briefly, I just want to touch on each of these forms of eczema, just so you’ll have a very basic understanding of what they are. In the future. you can expect articles that focus in on these, such as our dyshidrosis article. And speaking of which, that’s where we’ll begin.

Dyshidrosis

Dyshidrosis, also known as dyshidrotic eczema, pompholyx, and even housewife’s eczema, is typically characterized by small blisters known as vesicles on the palms, fingers, soles of the feet and/or toes. Later on, it will result in scaling and fissures where the lesion resides. Generally, it is a kind of hand eczema, that was once associated with bad sweating (as per the meaning of “dyshidrotic”), but it hasn’t been proven that it’s the cause. Warm weather, however, seems to be a cause of aggravation. Though it is not contagious, it can be rather unsightly, and leads to awkward social interaction.

Discoid Eczema

Known more commonly by its other name, nummular dermatitis (and even nummular eczema), discoid eczema is known by the itchy, dry or oozing coin shaped lesions, and is a chronic form of eczema. It usually occurs in those over 60 years or older, but it can appear at any age. Lesions of discoid eczema are typically found on the legs or buttocks.

This type of eczema is associated with a lack of moisture in the skin, and therefore the aggravations of discoid eczema typically revolve around circumstances that lead your skin to drying out. For example, discoid eczema worsens during the winter season, and due to stress and even caffeine, as these all are capable of dehydrating your body. Discoid eczema also leaves a person susceptible to other types of eczema as well.

Venous Eczema

Best known as stasis dermatitis and varicose eczema, comes from the result of those with varicose veins, impaired circulation, and edema. The skin changes because of the result of “stasis”, which is to say blood pooling from insufficient venous return. Venous eczema occurs in the leg, and usually to those over 50. It is characterized by redness or darkening of skin, itching and scaling. Further deterioration of the skin due to stasis dermatitis can lead to a venous ulcer.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

You may know of dermatitis herpetiformis by its other name, Duhring’s Disease, as first described by Louis Duhring in 1884. Dermatitis Herpetiformis is closely related to celiac disease and gluten intolerance, autoimmune disorders that are caused by the ingestion of the protein known as gluten. Despite having the word “herpe” in the name, dermatitis herpetiformis is not the result of herpes, but is named accordingly because of having a similar appearance.

Dermatitis herpetiformis is often characterized as having extremely itchy, watery blisters that usually appear symmetrically on the scalp, neck, elbows, arms, back, buttocks and legs. It usually develops starting at early adulthood, such as the age of 20 to the 30s. The best treatment is often a change of diet, in which gluten is removed.

Neurodermatitis

Technically known as lichen simplex chronicus (localized scratch dermatitis), simply put, neurodermatitis is the result of habitual rubbing or scratching in a central area. It is also a result of a never ending itch scratch cycle, which is why is commonly found in children who chronically scratch lesions, welts, or insect bites. The end result is neurodermatitis, which is thick, brownish leathery skin. The only long term cure for neurodermatitis is behavior modification.

Autoeczematization

There isn’t much to say about autoeczematization, but it is simply the result of a reaction due to an infection, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and even parasites. The appearance of such eczema differs depending on the cause, and therefore becomes hard to diagnose particularly. To add to that, the lesion develops in an area distant from the origin of the infection. The good news, however, is that autoeczematization is completely curable and disappears once the original infection has been cleared from the body.

That concludes our brief overview of the less common types of eczema. Use this as a briefing for what is to come in later updates, and stay with us for more information on your eczema needs.

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All About Eczema, Eczema Facts, Eczema Types by Rick