The most common form of eczema is atopic eczema, which can affect any part of the body but is often found inside the elbows, knees, on the neck, hands, cheeks, and scalp. The cause of atopic eczema is unknown, but it often runs alongside other conditions including asthma and hay fever, and flare-ups are triggered by things such as soap, laundry detergent, stress, the weather, and occasionally food allergies.

This occurs in oval or circular patches on the skin. This eczema is usually found on the arms, body or legs and doesn’t tend to be seen on the face of the scalp. Unlike other forms of eczema, discoid eczema is most common in adults and starts with a few spots which join up to form pink or red patches which are swollen, blistered and very itchy.

Varicose, or gravitational eczema appears as red, blistering, cracked or crusted skin in the lower legs where blood has collected and caused swelling which places pressure on the skin. Varicose eczema most commonly affects the lower legs and is caused by circulation problems so you are at higher risk of developing this condition if you have had a blood clot, varicose veins or if you are overweight.

This occurs when the skin comes into contact with a particular substance. Common substances which cause contact dermatitis include soaps, detergents, bleach, paint, jewelry and certain plants or raw foods. The appearance of the eczema is very similar to atopic eczema, but you will notice flare ups in response to contact with particular irritants.

Seborrhoeic eczema appears as red, scaly patches which develop on the scalp, ears, eyebrows, and the sides of the nose. Unlike many forms of eczema, this is not the result of an allergy and people of any age can develop the condition. Common triggers include stress, hormonal changes and dry or cold weather.

This form of eczema is characterised by tiny blisters that erupt on the palms of the hands and is caused by allergies, having damp hands and feet or stress. It creates watery blisters found on the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet, which can be very itchy and painful if they burst.