There are many different causes of and triggers for eczema. There are those from outside such as irritants, allergies and bacterial infection. These are often described as dermatitis. Other causes are from within the body such as raised pressure in the leg veins, reactions to stressful circumstances and 'atopy', where there is a genetic tendency to eczema, asthma and hayfever.

Types of Eczema caused mainly by external triggers:

• Irritant - eczema caused by various chemicals, detergents in soap
• Allergic - eczema caused when the immune system reacts to something coming into contact with the skin or taken by mouth
• Physical factors - eczema resulting from friction and chronic rubbing or licking, sunlight and artificial ultraviolet light

Contact dermatitis- mostly found on hands and feet, ears and around eyes

Hand Eczema -  the most common skin disease affecting the hands

Nickel allergy - can be anywhere that skin has been in contact with nickel or cobalt e.g hands, waistline, feet

Colophony (rosin) Allergy - allergic response usually the result of sensitisation to sticking plasters (Elastoplast)

Perioral eczema - shows as red pimples with white heads around the mouth and lower face

Photo-dermatitis - this is an allergic contact eczema from wearing sunscreen

Neurodermatitis (also known as Lichen Simplex) - a thickening of the skin linked to habitual rubbing and scratching

Lip-licking eczema -linked to habitual licking, rubbing or thumbsucking

Lip allergy (Allergic Contact Cheilitis) - an eczema-type inflammation reaction to lipstick, toothpaste, food, musical instruments, metal objects or medications

Eyelid eczema - can be the result of allergies or blepharitis

Eczema craquelé - also known as "winter itch" (Can also be caused by thyroid malfunction)

Types of Eczema caused mainly by internal & other causes:

Atopic eczema - usually hereditary, often associated with asthma, hayfever and food allergies

Asteototic eczema (also known as xerotic eczema or xerosis or eczema craquelé)] - usually in elderly people, where the skin looks like crazy paving.

Discoid eczema (also known as Nummular eczema) - rounded patches of eczema on arms, legs and trunk, usually in adults

Gravitational eczema (also known as Venous, Varicose, or Stasis eczema) - eczema on the lower legs

Pompholyx (or Dyshydrosis or Dyshydrotic eczema) - lots of very itchy blisters on hands, sides of fingers and feet

Seborrhoeic Eczema (also known as Cradle Cap in infants) - related to yeasts on the skin. Found as greasy yellow scales on scalp and in skin folds. Not itchy

Dermatitis Herpetiformis (or DH) - a burning, intensely itchy rash of clear blisters triggered by eating gluten

The information AllergyBestBuys provides should not be considered medical advice, nor is it intended to replace consultation with a qualified physician.