What Does Eczema Look Like?
In many cases, eczema looks like extremely dry skin that is in serious need of hydration. In other cases skin affected by eczema looks red, scaly or even cracked. The treatment type for your eczema will depend upon what it looks like and the types of symptoms you may be having. Some eczema sufferers worry more about what it looks like than the physical discomfort that it causes. People who suffer with facial and scalp eczema are particularly concerned about what the rash looks like.
People with rosacea eczema have breakouts that look like acne. It is not actually acne, but is an inflammation of the face, neck or chest that results in red, bumpy, oily skin. Rosacea eczema typically occurs in people between 30 and 60 years old. It often begins as a short-term condition but can become chronic and cause permanent facial scarring if it is not treated quickly and effectively. If a person with rosacea eczema uses the types of medication that are exclusively used to treat acne, they will probably break out with pimples, papules, redness, itching and flaking. Anything that dries the skin will aggravate rosacea eczema.
Seborrhea eczema looks like yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp and face and occasionally on other parts of the body. Contact eczema occurs when a person comes into contact with an allergy-causing substance such as and irritating chemical. Contact eczema causes a severe localized reaction that includes redness, itching and burning where the skin has come into contact with the allergen.
Dishidrotic eczema occurs on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. It is characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn. Another type of allergic-triggered eczema is allergic contact eczema which occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign, such as poison ivy or certain preservatives in creams and lotions. This creates red rashes that sometimes spread and are often treated with steroids.
Neurodermatis is a type of eczema that causes scaly patches on the head, lower leg, wrists or forearms caused by a localized itch (such as an insect bite) that becomes intensely irritated when it is scratched.
Some people with eczema become very embarrassed to go out because they are self conscious about what the rash looks like. Many people with eczema always wear long sleeves or make concerted efforts to cover the parts of the body that are affected by eczema.
If you suffer from eczema you should see a dermatologist to work out a treatment plan that is best for you. Depending on your symptoms and what your eczema looks like, your doctor can develop a treatment plan that is designed especially for you.
Glossary:
Allergens: Substances that cause allergic reactions in some people