Many skin conditions are actually referred to as types of eczema, and atopic dermatitis is only one of them. Other skin conditions that may be seen as eczema are nummular dermatitis or nummular eczema, hand dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and even diaper rash or dandruff. People that get a rash after having contact with poison ivy are also seen to have a type of eczema. There are different eczema treatment options depending on what type of dermatitis you are experiencing, so it is important to figure out which of the types of eczema you actually have.
It may benefit you to look at pictures of eczema beforehand to determine what type you have, but your dermatologist will be able to correctly diagnose your eczema skin condition as well.
What is the cause of eczema?
The exact eczema cause for some types of the condition is clear cut, while other causes are unknown. One of the types of eczema is irritant contact dermatitis, which develops through the frequent exposure of certain irritants such as detergents. Allergic contact dermatitis is another type of eczema, which is developed when the skin and an allergen come in contact.
There are other types of eczema in which the causes are not yet completely understood. Researchers believe, for example, that atopic dermatitis is developed when a number of factors are combined, including the inheritance of certain genes, over activity in the immune system and what is known as a barrier defect, where there are gaps in the skin that allow water to be lost more quickly. These gaps make it possible for germs and other things to enter into the body, causing skin conditions accordingly.
Another type of eczema is also known as seborrheic dermatitis, which appears to develop when several different factors interact with one another, such as yeast on the human skin, the person’s genes, climate, stress and the person’s overall health. Research has shown that this type of dermatitis or eczema is most severe in people suffering from human immunodeficiency virus, also known as HIV. What this indicates to researchers is that the health of the immune system also plays a role in this type of eczema.
How is eczema diagnosed?
Treatment for eczema or care for eczema begins with a proper diagnosis. Seek out your dermatologist for eczema medical help, and he or she will look at your symptoms and help you find the right eczema cure.
If your dermatologist suspects that you have eczema, then they will get a complete medical history from you, ask about your symptoms and examine your skin. This will provide your dermatologist with the information that they need to make an accurate eczema diagnosis, since there are so many types of eczema to consider. Eczema is easy to diagnose sometimes, while other times it is a challenge to diagnose and treat properly, so it is important that you work with a dermatologist to find the right solution.