Dermatitis (Eczema) can take many different forms. Some of the more common types of dermatitis are:
- Atopic dermatitis is particularly prevalent in children; inherited factors seem important, as there is nearly always a family history of dermatitis or asthma.
- Irritant contact dermatitis is provoked by handling water, detergents, solvents or harsh chemicals, and by friction. Irritants cause more trouble in those who have a tendency to atopic dermatitis.
- Allergic contact dermatitis is due to skin contact with substances that most people don't react to: most commonly nickel, perfume, rubber, hair dye or preservatives. A dermatologist my identify the responsible agent by patch testing.
- Dry skin: especially on the lower legs, may cause asteatotic dermatitis.
- Nummular dermatitis (also called 'discoid eczema') may be set off initially by an injury to the skin: scattered coin-shaped irritable patches persist for a few months.
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis appears to relate to Malassezia furfur yeasts that live on the scalp, face and sometimes elsewhere.
- Infective dermatitis seems to be provoked by impetigo (bacterial infection) or fungal infection.
- Gravitational dermatitis arises on the lower legs of the elderly, due to swelling and poorly functioning leg veins.
- Otitis externa – dermatitis affecting the external ear canal
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