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What are the different types of eczema?
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Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
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Medically reviewed by
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
on May 23, 2025.
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Last updated on May 22, 2025.
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The main types of eczema are:
- Contact dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Dyshidrotic eczema (Pompholyx)
- Neurodermatitis
- Nummular (Discoid) eczema
- Stasis dermatitis
- Perioral dermatitis
Each type has its own triggers, symptoms, and preferred treatments. Some show up as dry, itchy patches, while others cause blisters, oozing, or thickened skin. Some types of eczema, like atopic eczema, can’t be cured. There are lots of ways to manage eczema though, from home remedies like moisturising regularly, to medications that help to ease inflammation and the causes of the eczema.
And for some people, especially if you have eczema from a young age, symptoms can get better. Some types of eczema may go away as you get older too.
Summary:
- There are seven different types of eczema, and each one affects the skin in its own way.
- Eczema can show up anywhere on the body.
- Triggers include irritants, allergies, stress, poor circulation, or even changes in the weather.
- Some types of eczema are linked to genetics or other health conditions, others by contact or environment.
What are the types of eczema?
| Type | Symptoms | Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Contact dermatitis | Intense itch; Inflamed, sore skin (pink, red, purple, brown or gray depending on skin tone); Dry, scaly, or oozing skin. | Direct contact with irritants or allergens, like: Metals (nickel, gold); Fragrances, preservatives, or hair dyes; Latex, rubber, topical medicines; Poison ivy or pet dander. |
| Atopic dermatitis | Severe itch that can affect sleep or concentration; Inflamed, dry, or cracked skin that may ooze; Thickened skin or discolored patches in chronic areas. | Thought to be an overactive immune response. Triggers include: Heat, sweat or scratchy clothing; Harsh skincare or fragrances. Also has been linked to a genetic mutation which affects the skin’s barrier. |
| Seborrheic dermatitis | Rash with flaky white or yellow scales on greasy skin Dandruff; Discoloration (pink, red, purple, tan, brown or white depending on skin tone); Often forms under body or facial hair, including eyebrows, beard, sides of nose, and scalp; Can be itchy or uncomfortable, especially in oily areas. | Not known exactly, but thought to be a combination of causes. Usually caused by an inflammatory response to Malassezia yeast on the skin. Common triggers include: Cold, dry weather (or season changes); Stress; Harsh soaps or hair products; Hormonal changes; Certain medications. |
| Dyshidrotic eczema | Small, itchy blisters (often look like tapioca pearls) on hands and feet; Burning or tingling before blisters appear; Peeling, cracked, or dry skin as blisters heal; Painful skin cracks (fissures) in severe cases. | Exact cause unknown, often linked to other eczema types and family history. Triggers include: Contact with metals (nickel, chromium), laundry products; Sweaty palms, frequent wet hands, handwashing jobs; Hot, humid weather or seasonal allergies; Stress, smoking, skin infections like athlete’s foot; Some medications. |
| Neurodermatitis | Thick, scaly patches of skin that may become leathery over time; Patches can be discolored (red, brown, grey) and form lesions from scratching; Intense itch that’s often worse at night or during rest; Visible skin lines and scales. | Cause unknown, likely linked to overactive nerve responses in the skin. Triggers include: Bug bites; Nerve injury Intense emotion; Dry skin; Tight clothing (especially wool or synthetic); Heat. |
| Discoid eczema | Coin-shaped patches on the skin, often on legs, arms or torso; Lesions may ooze or crust over; Itching, burning and very dry; surrounding skin; Blisters and red, brown or pink spots depending on skin tone. | Exact cause unknown, often linked to very dry or damaged skin. Triggers include: Cold, dry air or hot showers; Skin trauma (like scrapes, bites, burns); Certain medications; (retinoids, antivirals); Stress, alcohol use. |
| Stasis dermatitis | Swelling and discoloration around the lower legs and ankles; Thickened, itchy, scaly or shiny skin; Pain, heaviness, or aching in the legs; Red, brown or purple skin that may ooze, crust, or form open sores in severe cases; “Cayenne pepper” speckles (capillaritis) in early stages. | Caused by poor circulation, usually due to weakened leg veins that allow blood to pool in the lower legs. Risk increases with age, leg injuries, or surgeries (e.g. knee/hip replacements); Not everyone with vein issues develops it, but poor circulation increases the likelihood. |
| Perioral dermatitis | Pink, red, or purple bumps or papules around the mouth; Pus-filled pustules; Small, red patches that are dry and flaky (the colour of the patches may differ depending on the person’s skin). | Although the exact cause is not fully known, some common triggers include: Steroid creams and ointments; Steroid tablets; Steroid inhalers (used to treat asthma and COPD) |
Can you have multiple types of eczema at the same time?
When should you see a doctor?
If over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping or symptoms are worsening, speak to a doctor or other healthcare provider. You may need prescription creams, oral medications, or specialist care.
Eczema may look similar across types, but effective treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. Whether you’re managing a mild rash or a chronic condition, understanding the specific type of eczema is key to finding the right relief.
Reference Popover #ref1
Treated trusted source
National Eczema Association. (2025).
Types of Eczema | National Eczema Association.
Reference Popover #ref2
Treated trusted source
Kantor, R. and Silverberg, J.I. (2016).
Environmental risk factors and their role in the management of atopic dermatitis. Expert Review of Clinical Immunology, 13(1), pp.15–26.
Reference Popover #ref3
Treated trusted source
Loiselle, A.R., Johnson, J.K. and Begolka, W.S. (2025).
Prevalence and Co-Occurrence of Eczema Types in U.S. Adults: Insights from the All of Us Research Program. Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
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