Can you say with 100% confidence what type of eczema you have? Because it matters. Identifying your eczema type changes everything—how it feels and how it heals.
Most people are handed a generic steroid cream and told, "Use this when it flares up." But if your treatment never really works or makes things worse, it could be because you're using the wrong approach for the wrong type. Let’s decode what’s actually happening in your skin.
From atopic dermatitis to neurodermatitis—different types of eczema need different treatment strategies.
The 7 Types of Eczema—and How to Identify Yours
1. Atopic Dermatitis (the most common type)
Red, dry, itchy patches usually behind the knees, on elbows, neck, or face. This is often part of the "atopic triad" (eczema, asthma, and hay fever).
Typical triggers: Dust mites, dairy, wheat, harsh soaps, cold weather.
Root cause: A weak skin barrier lets allergens and microbes in, while moisture escapes.
Solution: Treating the barrier directly with a rich, non-steroidal atopic dermatitis moisturizer improves resilience and prevents new flares. A moisturizer like Oleum Cottage’s Calming Anti Itch Lotion, rich in natural oils, strengthens the skin’s barrier and helps it stay hydrated throughout the day.
2. Contact Dermatitis (allergic or irritant)
If a product causes an instant rash or itch, this is likely your type. Think perfumes, jewelry, or detergents.
Triggers: Fragrance, nickel, latex, dyes, bleach.
Root cause: An external allergen or irritant damages the barrier and inflames your immune response.
What works: Switching to synthetic fragrance-free, calming skincare is the first step to recovery. It is essential to eliminate the allergen to prevent further flare-ups. Using soothing, non-irritating moisturizers can also prevent future outbreaks.
Repeated exposure to irritants like detergents and fragrances is the most common environmental cause of eczema in adults. In fact, patch testing is recommended by dermatologists to rule out allergens, as nearly 1 in 5 people with eczema have a contact allergy they aren’t aware of.
Common mistake to avoid: Continuing to use the culprit product while applying more cream.
3. Dyshidrotic Eczema (blisters on hands or feet)
Small, fluid-filled blisters that itch like crazy. Often triggered by sweat, heat, or stress.
Triggers: Frequent hand washing, metal exposure, humidity.
Root cause: A hypersensitive nerve and sweat gland response.
“Eczema often appears during periods of high cortisol output (your stress hormone), which is linked to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), further compromising skin barrier function. Restoring hydration and calming the nervous system—especially before bed—can reduce flare frequency.”- source.
Tip: Use gentle cleansers with no drying agents.
This can be especially helpful for those dealing with work-related hand eczema, where constant washing and exposure to irritants increases the risk of flare-ups.
4. Nummular Eczema (coin-shaped lesions)
Round, itchy, dry patches—often on arms or legs. Common in winter or after skin injury.
Triggers: Cold weather, insect bites, minor trauma.
Root cause: Environmental damage in barrier-compromised skin.
What works: Consistent barrier repair, not antifungal creams (which this is often mistaken for), helps reduce recurrence. If you have nummular eczema, moisturizing with natural barrier oils can soothe irritation while strengthening the skin barrier to help your skin stay protected.
Related reading: Understanding how eczema occurs and why it flares seasonally or after trauma.
5. Seborrheic Dermatitis (flaky, oily skin)
Scaly flakes around your scalp, eyebrows, nose, or ears? This one’s tied to oil imbalance and yeast overgrowth.
Triggers: Stress, dry air, poor sleep, hormonal shifts.
Root cause: Overreaction to Malassezia yeast in oily areas.
What works: A non-steroidal seborrheic dermatitis treatment that calms yeast overgrowth, without stripping the skin, soothes scalp irritation and rebalances oil production.
Tool to try: Oleum Cottage Restorative Shampoo with coconut, jojoba, rosemary & tea tree.
6. Stasis Dermatitis (lower legs in older adults)
Swollen, red, dry, or weeping legs—usually near varicose veins.
Triggers: Poor blood flow, sitting/standing too long.
Root cause: Weak veins and sluggish lymph drainage leading to trapped fluid and inflammation.
What works: Compression, movement, and gentle skin repair restore balance and reduce darkening or scarring. Using products that support circulation and barrier healing helps ease inflammation and discomfort.
“Clinical overviews and reviews emphasize that leg elevation and compression combined with gentle massage are cornerstone treatments to manage stasis-related dermatitis by reducing fluid buildup’- source.
Tip: Elevate legs daily + moisturize with light barrier oil.
7. Neurodermatitis (thickened skin from scratching)
Starts as an itch—ends with thick, dark, leathery skin. Driven by chronic scratching, often during stress.
Triggers: Stress, anxiety, nighttime scratching.
Root cause: Nerve-skin miscommunication creating an endless itch-scratch cycle.
What works: Nervous system reset tools like journaling + pre-sleep topical calming routines help break the itch loop. Topical treatments that reduce neural inflammation can support long-term healing.
According to our research, people with neurodermatitis show abnormal responses in the skin’s C nerve fibers. These nerves signal itch more intensely, especially during stress. By creating a regular nighttime ritual and applying calming botanicals like sandalwood and lavender, this sensory loop can be interrupted. Here are 5 easy ways to calm your skin and mind when suffering from eczema.
A clear diagnosis changes everything—because barrier repair, not suppression, is the long-term goal.
Why Knowing Your Type of Eczema Changes Everything
When you know your eczema type:
-
You understand your root cause, not just your symptoms.
-
You can build a targeted plan that works—not rely on a one-size-fits-all medicated or steroidal cream.
-
You learn how to prevent spread (no, eczema does not spread like an infection—but flare patterns can worsen when ignored).
-
You choose which cream is best for eczema, based on your skin’s need—not just a label.
FAQs: Eczema Types & Solutions
1. What type of eczema do I have?
It’s essential to know your eczema type for effective treatment. Common types include atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Understanding your eczema type helps you choose the right moisturizer or treatment plan.
2. Does eczema spread?
Eczema can spread if left untreated or if the skin barrier is compromised. However, it doesn’t spread in the way an infection does. Proper care, like using an eczema moisturiser or targeted treatments, can prevent flare-ups and skin damage.
3. How does eczema occur?
Eczema is a chronic condition that occurs when the skin’s barrier is weakened, allowing irritants, allergens, and bacteria to penetrate. It can be triggered by factors like stress, allergies, harsh products, or environmental changes. The root cause varies depending on the eczema type (e.g., seborrheic dermatitis treatment focuses on yeast balance).
4. What type of eczema causes red, flaky patches on the scalp?
Scalp eczema is commonly caused by seborrheic dermatitis. This type of eczema leads to greasy, scaly patches, often accompanied by redness and itchiness. It is commonly treated with medicated shampoos and seborrheic dermatitis treatment.
5. Can eczema be cured permanently?
Eczema can be managed long-term but not fully cured. Identifying your type helps reduce flare frequency and severity. Using the right treatment and being consistent is crucial to an eczema healing journey.
6. What’s the best cream for eczema?
The best cream for eczema should be a rich, anti-inflammatory & hydrating moisturizer containing ingredients like castor, thyme and tea tree oils. Always opt for synthetic fragrance-free, steroid-free creams like Oleum Cottage's Ultra Healing Cream to avoid irritation.
7. How do I manage eczema flare-ups naturally?
Managing eczema flare-ups involves identifying triggers like stress, weather, or allergens and using the appropriate treatment for your eczema type. Atopic dermatitis moisturizers and natural remedies, such as coconut oil or aloe vera, can help soothe the skin. Consistent skin hydration and avoiding harsh products are key.
8. Can eczema affect children?
Yes, atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema in children. It typically appears in early childhood and may improve with age. Early diagnosis and gentle treatments can help manage the symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
9. What’s the difference between eczema and psoriasis?
Eczema and psoriasis are both skin conditions but have different causes. Eczema often results from allergies or a weakened skin barrier, while psoriasis is an autoimmune condition causing the skin cells to multiply too quickly. Treatment approaches vary depending on the condition and severity.
10. Can I use essential oils to treat eczema?
Essential oils can be beneficial for eczema, but they must be used cautiously. Oils like chamomile, lavender, and tea tree have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. However, always use therapeutic-grade essential oils in aromatherapy dosage, especially if you have sensitive skin or severe eczema flare-ups.
Choose gentle, plant-powered products that support your skin’s healing—no steroids, no shortcuts.
Final Takeaway
Knowing your eczema type and using the correct treatment plan is essential for healing. Atopic dermatitis responds best to long-term hydration, while seborrheic dermatitis requires targeted antifungal treatment. Dyshidrotic eczema can be managed with stress-reducing routines, and contact dermatitis requires identifying and avoiding triggers. When you choose the right products for your specific type, healing becomes a sustainable process.
Get a diagnosis, identify your eczema type, and use skincare that helps support your skin's natural barrier—not just suppress symptoms.
Related Reading:
· How to Treat Baby Eczema Naturally: Do’s, Don’ts, Tips for Parents
· How Smita Managed Her Eczema Relapse: Natural Ways to Heal Eczema
· A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Heal Eczema Naturally
About the Authors
Vidhi Dave is a certified expert in Cosmetic Science and Aromatherapy, with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals with eczema and other complex skin and scalp concerns—using natural, holistic methods. As the co-founder of Oleum Cottage, she leads one-on-one consultations and spearheads research-driven product development rooted in skin physiology and plant therapeutics. Customers love her gentle, insightful approach.
Kasturi Sen is a certified practitioner in Cosmetic Formulation and Aromatherapy, with over 10 years of experience helping people navigate chronic skin concerns like eczema, psoriasis, and sensitive skin using natural, evidence-informed care. She is the co-founder of Oleum Cottage, where she leads consultations and therapeutic skincare education. Known for her calm, intuitive presence, Kasturi bridges modern science with plant-based healing to create deeply personalised skincare journeys.