Eczema is more than a simple skin condition—it’s complex, chronic, and personal. Whether you’re dealing with itchy flare-ups or supporting someone who is, understanding the different eczema types is the first step toward lasting relief.
Each variety has its own triggers and treatment needs. Here’s your science-backed guide to the most common forms of eczema—and how to care for your skin with confidence.
1. Atopic Dermatitis – The Most Common Form
What it looks like: Dry, scaly, red patches often showing up behind the knees, inside elbows, or on the face.
Why it happens: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common type, affecting at least 10% of infants and many adults. It’s driven by an overactive immune response to harmless triggers—like foods, metals, or fabrics—and often presents systemically (Peters, 2011).
Pro Tip: Moisturizing is key. Emollients help strengthen the skin barrier and minimize flare-ups.
2. Contact Dermatitis – Skin vs. the Outside World
What it looks like: Red, itchy patches or blisters where your skin meets the irritant—like jewelry, cleaning agents, or plants.
Why it happens: The skin reacts to allergens or irritants, and if left untreated, the inflammation worsens. Early washing and barrier creams are essential.
3. Neurodermatitis – The Scratch-Itch Spiral
What it looks like: Thick, leathery skin with dark or light patches.
Why it happens: Chronic scratching from stress or trauma leads to nerve damage, increasing inflammation and risk of scarring.
4. Dyshidrotic Eczema – Blisters on Hands and Feet
What it looks like: Tiny, intensely itchy blisters on the palms, fingers, soles, or toes.
Why it happens: Triggers range from allergens to stress. Studies link bacterial infections like Staphylococcus aureus to flare-ups in up to 35% of cases (Abdulsahib, 2019).
5. Nummular Eczema – Coin-Shaped Trouble Spots
What it looks like: Round, oozy patches on arms or legs that may crust or bleed.
Why it happens: Often triggered by skin injuries, insect bites, or extreme dryness.
6. Seborrheic Dermatitis – Flaky Skin’s Frequent Flyer
What it looks like: Pink, greasy patches with flaky white or yellow scales—commonly on the scalp, face, or chest.
Why it happens: Linked to yeast overgrowth (Malassezia) and stress. It causes crusty eczema flares, especially in adults (Abdulsahib, 2019).
7. Stasis Dermatitis – When Circulation Slows
What it looks like: Swollen, dark patches on the lower legs, often with thick, scaly skin.
Why it happens: Poor circulation leads to fluid buildup and skin changes, common in people with varicose veins.
Prevention & Treatment Tips
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Barrier repair is the foundation: Experts confirm that emollients and barrier creams are essential for all eczema types—restoring skin function and reducing the need for steroids (Guarneri et al., 2022).
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Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: Daily application of gentle, fragrance-free creams prevents flare-ups. Ingredients matter—look for hyaluronic acid, calendula, and botanicals.
How Rejuvaskin Skin Recovery Cream Supports Eczema-Prone Skin
Struggling with inflamed, dry skin? Our Skin Recovery Cream is designed to:
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Rebuild the skin barrier
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Hydrate with hyaluronic acid and calendula
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Soothe inflammation with bamboo and aloe
Eczema can feel overwhelming, but understanding your specific type—and using the right treatments—empowers you to take control. Lean into gentle, science-backed solutions like Rejuvaskin’s Skin Recovery Cream to protect your skin every day.
Works Cited
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Abdulsahib, Z. A. (2019). Eczema, its types, microbiological causes, and treatments. Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development.
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Guarneri, F., Belloni Fortina, A., Corazza, M., et al. (2022). Topical non-pharmacological treatment of eczema: an Italian consensus. Italian Journal of Dermatology and Venereology.
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Peters, J. (2011). Managing eczema. Nursing Times.
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Sawangjit, R., Dilokthornsakul, P., Lloyd-Lavery, A., et al. (2018). Systemic treatments for eczema: A network meta-analysis. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.