There are many different types of eczema – it’s an umbrella term for itchy, flaky, inflamed sensitive skin conditions.
The most common type however, is atopic dermatitis. This type is chronic and inherited, mostly occurs in children under the age of 5 and tend to get better with age. In adults, the most common type of eczema is called contact dermatitis, where skin becomes highly sensitised from exposure to harmful detergents, irritants, and other chemicals.
All types of eczema have this one in common: the skin’s protective barrier is compromised and weak. This means that it can’t do it’s job of keeping moisture in and irritants out of the skin which in turn leads to reactive flare-ups because the skin is dry, cracked, and weak.