Eczema classification
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Edzel Lorraine Co, D.M.D., M.D.
Overview
Eczema can be classified in different forms. It could be based on location (hand eczema), specific appearance (discoid), or etiology (varicose eczema). A simplified nomenclature of allergy-related diseases was released by the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) in 2001. [1]
Common Types of Eczema
- Table 1 enumerates the common types of eczema with their corresponding description.
| Classification | Description |
|---|---|
| Atopic eczema | |
| Contact dermatitis | |
| Xerotic eczema | |
| Seborrhoeic dermatitis |
Lesser Common Types of Eczema
- Table 2 highlights the lesser common types of eczema with their respective features.
| Classification | Description |
|---|---|
| Dyshidrosis (Dyshidrotic Eczema, Pompholyx, Vesicular Palmoplantar Dermatitis, or Housewife’s Eczema) | |
| Nummular Dermatitis (Discoid Eczema | |
| Venous eczema | |
| Dermatitis herpetiformis | |
| Neurodermatitis | |
| Autoeczematization |
- Dyshidrosis (aka dyshidrotic e., pompholyx, vesicular palmoplantar dermatitis, housewife’s eczema) only occurs on palms, soles, and sides of fingers and toes. Tiny opaque bumps called vesicles, thickening, and cracks are accompanied by itching which gets worse at night. A common type of hand eczema, it worsens in warm weather. (L30.1)
- Discoid eczema (aka nummular e., exudative e., microbial e.) is characterized by round spots of oozing or dry rash, with clear boundaries, often on lower legs. It is usually worse in winter. Cause is unknown, and the condition tends to come and go. (L30.0)
- Venous eczema (aka gravitational e., stasis dermatitis, varicose e.) occurs in people with impaired circulation, varicose veins and edema, and is particularly common in the ankle area of people over 50. There is redness, scaling, darkening of the skin and itching. The disorder predisposes to leg ulcers. (I83.1)
- Dermatitis herpetiformis (aka Duhring’s Disease) causes intensely itchy and typically symmetrical rash on arms, thighs, knees, and back. It is directly related to celiac disease and can often be put into remission with appropriate diet. (L13.0)
- Neurodermatitis (aka lichen simplex chronicus, localized scratch dermatitis) is an itchy area of thickened, pigmented eczema patch that results from habitual rubbing and scratching. Usually there is only one spot. Often curable through behavior modification and anti-inflammatory medication. Prurigo nodularis is a related disorder showing multiple lumps. (L28.0; L28.1)
- Autoeczematization (aka id reaction, autosensitization) is an eczematous reaction to an infection with parasites, fungi, bacteria or viruses. It is completely curable with the clearance of the original infection that caused it. The appearance varies depending on the cause. It always occurs some distance away from the original infection. (L30.2)
- There are also eczemas overlaid by viral infections (e. herpeticum, e. vaccinatum), and eczemas resulting from underlying disease (e.g. lymphoma). Eczemas originating from ingestion of medications, foods, and chemicals, have not yet been clearly systematized. Other rare eczematous disorders exist in addition to those listed here.