Eczema By Body Part

Eczema causes the skin to become scaly, itchy, dry and sometimes discolored. It can appear on many areas of the body including the hands, scalp, eyelids, ears, face, chest, arms, legs and feet. Although eczema can affect any body part, each area may have unique symptoms, triggers and treatment approaches. Flare-ups can be prompted by immune system responses, contact with allergens or irritants, inflammation and even stress, which can worsen inflammation by increasing cortisol levels.

Hand eczema affects the hands and wrists, impacting about 14.5% of people worldwide. Common causes of hand eczema include irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, hyperkeratotic eczema and neurodermatitis. Identifying your specific type is essential for effective treatment.

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Scalp eczema can be caused by atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is the most common form and causes greasy, yellowish scales on the scalp. Treatment may include medicated shampoos, topical steroids and gentle hair care products.

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The thin, sensitive skin on the eyelids makes this area prone to eczema. Atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis (along the lash line) are the main causes. Symptoms include flaky skin, itching and redness. Because this area is delicate, non-steroidal topicals and cold compresses are often the best treatments.

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Eczema can appear on the ear lobes, outer ear or inside the ear canal. Contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis are common forms. Triggers include cold weather, jewelry metals, soaps and certain fabrics like wool. Ear canal eczema can sometimes be confused with an ear infection.

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Facial eczema often appears around the nose, mouth or under facial hair. Seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis are the main types. Cosmetics, grooming products and skincare ingredients are common triggers. Treatment depends on the type of eczema causing the flare.

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Eczema on the breast and chest areas can be caused by atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis. The skin around the nipples is particularly delicate and prone to irritation from clothing, body care products or breastfeeding. Treatment typically includes heavy ointments and gentle topicals.

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Various types of eczema can affect the arms, including contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, nummular eczema and neurodermatitis. Symptoms range from flaking and itching to coin-shaped lesions and leathery patches. Treatments include topical steroids, non-steroidal options, phototherapy and moisturizers.

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Leg eczema can be caused by contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, nummular eczema, stasis dermatitis and neurodermatitis. Stasis dermatitis results from swelling of the legs and can appear as brown specks from broken capillaries. Treatments may include topical medications, compression socks and medications to reduce leg swelling.

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Eczema commonly appears on the feet, with atopic dermatitis affecting the ankles and nummular eczema appearing on the tops of the feet, but they can overlap. Sweat, footwear, soaps and body care products are frequent triggers. Treatments include gentle skincare, topical medications and phototherapy.

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