Eczema can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, chronic or acute. Several forms include:

Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) – This is the most common form of eczema and usually appears early in life (often before the age of 1). People with atopic eczema have a genetic tendency to have allergies. Atopic eczema affects the face, neck, ears and torso. It also appears on the tops of feet or the outside surface of elbows. In older adults atopic eczema usually involves the skin inside the creases of the inward bend of the elbow, knee, ankle, or wrist joints, the hands, or the upper eyelids. Image of Atopic Eczema

Contact dermatitis - Irritant contact dermatitis is direct irritation of the skin, and can be caused by prolonged contact with mild irritants, such as soap or even sweat. Allergic contact dermatitis only occurs in people who have an allergy to a specific substance. The most common allergens are poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. Other common allergic reactions include materials such as deodorants, cleaning products, medications, cosmetics, and fragrances. Image of Contact Dermatitis

Asteatotic eczema - This dry-skin eczema causes fine cracks in the skin, usually first involving the lower legs, where there are fewer oil glands. It commonly occurs in the elderly, and more often during winter months and drier weather. Image of Asteatotic Eczema

Discoid eczema - Discoid eczema affects the arms and legs. The eczema occurs in numerous round patches. It is usually found in adults and appears suddenly as a few coin shaped areas of red skin, normally on the trunk or lower legs. They become itchy and can weep fluid. Image of Discoid Eczema

Hand eczema - This form of chronic eczema is limited to the hands. It can be related to atopic eczema or it can occur because of repeated hand washing or exposure to strong detergents. Image of Hand Eczema

Lichen simplex chronicus - This form of eczema is a reaction to repeatedly scratching or rubbing the skin in one location. Scratching can lead to thickened, or discolored skin. Image of Licen Simplex Chronicus

Nummular eczema - This type of eczema causes round, coin-sized patches of irriated skin, typically on the legs, arms or chest. It usually occurs in adults. It can be related to atopic dermatitis and, less often, allergic contact dermatitis. Image of Nummular Eczema

Seborrheic dermatitis (seborrhea) – Seborrhea creates a greasier rash that commonly appears on the scalp as "cradle cap" in infants or dandruff in adults. It commonly affects the face or neck around the nose and at the scalp line. Image of Seborrheic Dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis - This type of eczema occurs on the calves, ankles and feet in people who have varicose veins or other conditions that lead to poor blood circulation in the lower legs. Leg swelling leads to itching, fine red bumps, skin darkening and, sometimes, ankle sores. Image of Stasis Dermatitis

Varicose eczema - Varicose eczema affects the lower legs of those in their middle to late years, being caused by poor circulation. Commonly the skin around the ankles is affected, becoming speckled, itchy and inflamed. Image of Varicose Eczema

Learn more about what causes eczema