There are many causes for eczema. All of them have the same physical effect, and emotional backlash. The dry, scaly patches that can often blister and ooze cause great pain and embarrassment for its victims. Seeing the after effects of this skin condition many people are surprised at the very common causes of many of the most common forms of eczema.

Eczema on the Eye

The four most often seen cases of eczema are:

• Atopic eczema – This form of eczema can show up on nearly any surface of the body from foot to scalp at just about any stage of life. It is normally characterized by large rough red patches of flaking skin. Itching further complicates the problem and causes further cracking of the skin, and prolonged occurrences. This form of eczema is considered hereditary in nature. In the past it has often been mis-or cross diagnosed with contact types of eczema and physicians are more diligent now in making sure to accurately diagnose this form of the disease.
• Contact dermatitis – This type of eczema is caused by coming in contact with outside irritants like poison ivy, okay, and sumac as well as, caustic chemicals. It can also be caused by allergies to surrounding plants, animals, or inorganic matters. The itching and scratching commonly associated with all forms of eczema makes this form of the condition worse by allowing it to spread to other areas of the body. Contact with the infected areas of skin and then touching other areas allows the poisons or allergens new surfaces to infect. This form of eczema is often temporary. It is easier to treat and many over-the-counter remedies exist for the most common contact allergies. This is considered one of the most curable types of eczema as it generally does not recur without further contact with the problematic plant or allergen.
• Xerotic eczema – This is a skin condition brought on by severe extremes in weather. Most often seen in the hottest days of the summer when humidity is at its height, or the coldest days of winter when the air is the most dry it is easy to understand, but often difficult to get under control.
• Seborrehoeic eczema – This type of eczema is found often on babies, and elderly on the scalp and eyebrows. It is commonly referred to as cradle cap in infants and is one of the easier forms to cure as it is considered to be caused by a lack of biotin. Careful cleansing of the area and topical ointments as well as occasionally prescribed medications can usually take care of the issues of this type of eczema.

While most issues of eczema are created by weather or allergens, there are a few more unusual cases caused by poor circulation such as Venous eczema, and other immune disorders like viral infections complicated by eczema. While much less common than weather or allergy created eczemas these conditions are usually harder to treat and require extensive medical intervention.

Any case of eczema is best treated by your physician. They will help you determine if you have a serious condition that requires pharmaceutical intervention, or if some of the more simple diet, and lifestyle changes will help alleviate your symptoms.