What are the different types of eczema?
Before we go too far, let's get familiar with all the types of eczema that appear on people’s skin and what makes them distinct.
Before we go too far, let's get familiar with all the types of eczema that appear on people’s skin and what makes them distinct.
Here at Eczema HQ, we devote most of our research, energy, and attention to the most common type of eczema, atopic dermatitis—which is chronic, inflammatory, and related to an overactive immune system response. But there are many other types of eczema and they each have their own symptoms and triggers. An eczema specialist is your best source for getting a proper diagnosis.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the other types of eczema:
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Did you know over 31 million Americans have some form of eczema? That's a lot of itching and scratching! Learn more about itch and rash.
To the untrained eye, an eczema rash can easily be confused for a psoriasis rash.
Even when you look beyond the many similarities in physical symptoms, you’ll find eczema and psoriasis are both chronic, inflammatory diseases, which further confuses the comparison. This is why a dermatologist will be your best source for getting a proper diagnosis. And while it’s possible for some people to have both conditions, there are important differences.
Although eczema and psoriasis may appear anywhere on the body, eczema is typically in the “bending” areas—like behind your knees or in your elbow creases—while psoriasis most commonly appears on the outside of the knees and elbows.
Eczema and psoriasis can both be itchy, but the eczema itch can be more intense and persistent than psoriasis.
More than 31 million people in the United States have some form of eczema, while 8 million people have psoriasis.
Eczema makes your skin red and inflamed and your skin may be scaly, oozing, or crusty. While psoriasis also causes red patches, these patches may appear silvery white. On skin of color (for both eczema and psoriasis), the redness may appear darker brown, purple, or gray.
Eczema can often appear during childhood, especially between infancy and age 5. Psoriasis usually shows up between ages 15 and 25.
Want to learn more about psoriasis?
Take a look at how eczema appears on different parts of the body and on different skin types: