As if one weren’t enough, there are several types of eczema. While each one is, of course, unique, they all share common traits. The general eczema skin condition is characterized by severely dry skin, a red rash, intense itching, and/or painful lesions. The differences in the different types have to do with the location of the disorder and the shape of the rash. Here are a few examples of some of the common and not so common ways eczema can appear on the body.

• hand eczema
• adult seborrhoeic eczema
• vaginal eczema

Hand eczema isn’t uncommon at all. In addition to the symptoms noted above, this type of eczema also creates shiny, red skin. This usually occurs after the blisters and lesions of the outbreak have subsided somewhat. A condition known as hyperlinear palms is common as well. The skin disorder leaves behind more skin creases than what would have been there normally on the palms. Living with hand eczema during an occurrence is a challenge because the rash and associated pain makes every day activities difficult.

You may have heard of adult seborrhoeic eczema before and not even known it. Its nickname that many of us are familiar with is dandruff. The scientific name sounds more exciting. Anyway, this type of eczema is characterized by itching and flaking of the scalp. It is most commonly treated with medicated shampoos. People with this type of eczema are usually instructed to wash their hair sparingly to allow the scalp time to build up natural oils. Washing them away daily only aggravates the condition.

In the case of vaginal eczema, men everywhere should rejoice. If for no other reason, then they can’t get this form of skin disorder. If you were forced to look at the bright side of this form, it would have to be that the rash and irritation isn’t obvious to anyone except you. It really isn’t much of a consolation. The medical term for this kind of eczema is vulvar dermatitis. It causes red scaly lesions on the external part of the female genital anatomy. Of course it is intensely itchy and dry. If you were forced to choose a type of eczema to have, this one wouldn’t be it.