Living with Eczema

Eczema is a name for dermatitis. There are many types of dermatitis which include neurodermatitis, contact, seborrheic, stasis, atopic and perioral dermatitis. Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that can be caused by many factors. The following is an overview of the types of dermatitis and their causes:

Contact dermatitis- is caused by direct contact with an irritant. It could be a new brand of soap you are using or a different laundry detergent. My wrist watch is an irritant to my wrist because I must have an allergy to the metal it is made of. Contact dermatitis can be caused by any number of irritants. It could be poison ivy, or a new kind of makeup, or a new perfume.

Neurodermatitis- is usually caused by tight ill-fitting garments. The irritation may cause you to itch and then you start scratching. You can scratch yourself raw. Common areas for neurodermatitis are on the neck, wrists, ankles and forearms. This can be most uncomfortable, and the itching will not go away until the source of the irritation has been dealt with. Usually, changing clothes and applying a soothing lotion to the itchy areas will help to bring relief.

Seborrheic dermatitis- resembles cradle cap. There may be a red rash with an oily yellowish scale on the scalp. It can be brought on by high levels of stress, and it may occur on people who have high stress jobs, and those who have neurological disorders.

Stasis dermatitis- usually presents as a red rash in the lower legs and is caused by an accumulation of fluid in the tissues beneath the skin. The fluid retention causes a barrier between the blood in the capillaries and the skin that depends on the nourishment that is provided by the skin's contact with the capillaries. Skin at this level has no vessels of their own, and depends on the capillaries there. The fluid interrupts the natural anastamosis that takes place between tissue and capillaries. The pressure from the fluid can cause stasis ulcers in time.