Eczema is a skin condition that is marked by inflammation at the surface of the skin. This inflammation can often lead to itching and peeling of the skin at the affected areas. Eczema can affect almost any part of the visible skin surface. There are many different types of eczema and while their symptoms majorly overlap, there are minor differences between them. Herein, we take a look at varicose eczema vs. atopic dermatitis and see what are the symptoms, risk factors, and treatments for each type:

1. Varicose eczema
This type of eczema occurs in adults who suffer from varicose veins. It is also referred to as stasis eczema. The symptoms of varicose eczema include:

• Cracks in the skin
• Blisters
• Itchy spots
• Excessively dry skin

Varicose eczema commonly affects the lower part of the legs. The above given symptoms can lead to a major swelling in the affected parts of the legs. If left untreated, varicose eczema can lead to leg ulcers.

2. Patients at risk of varicose eczema

Patients who have suffered from deep vein thrombosis, cellulitis, or previous leg ulcers are most highly prone to developing varicose eczema. Other high risk groups include women, people who are obese, and expectant mothers. The main cause of varicose eczema is an increase in pressure on the leg veins. This pressure causes fluid to start leaking from the veins and the immune system causes an eczema outbreak in response to the leaking fluid.

3. Treating varicose eczema

Treatment for varicose eczema includes the use of topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, medical moisturizing creams to relieve dryness, and compression stockings to help improve blood circulation.

4. Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is so common that most patients often mistake this for a disease in its own right. More often than not, physicians get queries from patients wanting to know the difference between regular eczema vs. atopic dermatitis. Yet, atopic dermatitis is simply a form of eczema, though it is the most common form. Common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include

• Appearance of red, itchy patches on the skin
• Oozing of fluid from the patches
• Accompanying asthma or hay fever

5. Risks factors for atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is more common in children though adults too can develop the condition. It is also often triggered by contact with irritants such as pet dander, strong perfumes, chemicals, cold and dry weather, food allergies, and dust mites. The condition often runs in families.

6. Treating atopic dermatitis

Treatment for atopic dermatitis includes focusing on replenishing lost hydration from the skin. Common prescriptions include topical steroids to deal with the inflammation, petroleum jelly to combat dryness, and oral medications to control the urge to itch. Patients also often need to take medicines to treat the accompanying allergies. Additionally, perfumed soaps and products with strong chemicals should be avoided.

The different types of eczema have a lot of overlapping symptoms and these are hard to distinguish between for the average person. Always get a professional diagnosis from a trained physician to get the best treatment options possible.