The main types of eczema

Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis and atopic skin disease, is one of the most common types of eczema. It is sometimes simply called "eczema". This is a useful shorthand, but it can be confusing.

This short article explains!

•  Eczema and dermatitis refer to exactly the same skin condition. Both words mean inflammation of the skin.

•  Inflammation is a reaction of any tissue to injury.

•  Eczema and dermatitis make up about 20% of all new patients seen by dermatologists

•  Types of eczema can be classified according to appearance, site, cause or as here, according to how common they are:

Atopic: Associated with asthma, hay-fever and hives (urticaria)

Contact: Two types, allergic and irritant: both can complicate atopic eczema

Xerotic: Also called asteatotic eczema. Due to skin becoming dry and greaseless

Seborrhoeic: Distinct from seborrhoea, with characteristic distribution and appearance


Dyshidrotic: Also called pompholyx. Hands and feet, with distinctive appearance

Discoid: Also called nummular. Distinctive appearance, possibly stress related

Venous: Lower limbs, due to poor venous circulation. Can lead to ulcers.

Neurodermatitis: Also called lichen simplex. Itchy areas that are scratched a great deal.  Sometimes chronic eczema is called neurodermatitis for this reason.