⭐ Types of Eczema: A Simple Guide to Understanding Your Skin
Types of eczema Ireland
Types of Eczema: Easy to read. Easy to follow. Written with care for every eczema sufferer.
Living with eczema can feel confusing. Your skin flares up. It gets itchy, red, dry, or bumpy. And sometimes you don’t even know why. But here’s one thing many people don’t realise:
👉 There are several different types of eczema in Ireland.
And each one behaves in its own way.
So, in this guide, we’ll walk you through the main types of eczema in Ireland, what they look like, what causes them, and what can help. Everything is explained simply. Everything is written with your comfort in mind.
Let’s begin.
🟦 1. Atopic Dermatitis
The most common types of eczema in Ireland.
Atopic dermatitis is what most people mean when they say “eczema.” It usually starts in childhood, but it can stay with you for life. And when it flares, it can make your skin feel:
- Dry
- Red
- Very itchy
- Cracked
- Sore
It often appears on:
- The face
- The neck
- Behind the knees
- Inside the elbows
- Hands and wrists
Atopic eczema is linked to a sensitive immune system. And because your skin barrier is weaker, irritants get in easily.
What helps?
You need a moisturiser that is:
- Fragrance-free
- Gentle
- Rich and repairing
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Many Bragan customers use our Atopic Cream because it’s soft, soothing, and made with snail mucin to support the skin barrier. It can fit nicely into a daily routine for people who struggle with dryness or recurring irritation.
🟩 2. Contact Dermatitis
Your skin reacts to something it touches.
This form of eczema appears when your skin has come into contact with something that triggers a reaction. And there are two types:
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
This happens when something physically damages your skin barrier.
Common irritants include:
- Detergents
- Cleaning products
- Soaps
- Perfumed skincare
- Hair dyes
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
This happens when your immune system reacts to something you are allergic to.
Common allergens include:
- Nickel
- Fragrance
- Preservatives
- Latex
- Plants like poison ivy
Contact dermatitis often appears as red, itchy patches that sting or burn. And it shows up exactly where the irritant touched your skin.
What helps?
Avoiding the trigger is key.
Then use a gentle, fragrance-free cream to calm the area and restore moisture.
Bragan’s fragrance-free range is designed with this in mind.
🟧 3. Dyshidrotic Eczema
Tiny blisters on hands or feet.
Dyshidrotic eczema often shows up as:
- Small, fluid-filled blisters
- Very itchy skin
- Tender patches
- Peeling after the blisters heal
It usually appears on:
- Fingers
- Palms
- Soles of the feet
- Sides of the toes
Many people get it during times of stress or after contact with metal (like nickel). Warm weather can also trigger it.
What helps?
Cool compresses.
Gentle creams.
And avoiding harsh soaps and perfumes.
People with this type of eczema often tell us they prefer gentle, barrier-supporting skincare because their skin can become very cracked and sore.
For help understanding symptoms, see our guide on
Contact Dermatitis or
Nummular Dermatitis.
🟥 4. Neurodermatitis
When itching becomes a habit.
Neurodermatitis is linked to scratching. You get an itch. You scratch. The skin thickens. Then it itches even more. And the cycle continues.
It usually shows up as one or two thick, dry, leathery patches on:
- The neck
- Ankles
- Wrists
- Shoulders
- Scalp
- Forearms
Stress often makes it worse.
What helps?
Calming the itch is essential.
Moisturising is important too.
This is a type of eczema where a soothing cream can make a huge difference, especially if it forms a soft, protective layer on the skin.
🟫 5. Nummular Eczema
Round, coin-shaped patches.
“Nummular” means “coin-shaped.”
This type of eczema creates circular patches that can look like:
- Red discs
- Dry, cracked areas
- Very itchy spots
- Sometimes oozy patches
It often appears after a skin injury such as a burn, scratch, or insect bite.
What helps?
Hydration is key.
And keeping the skin barrier supported can reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
🟪 6. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Eczema that affects oily areas of the skin.
This type of eczema is commonly found in:
- The scalp
- Eyebrows
- Sides of the nose
- Beard area
- Chest
It often looks like:
- Flaky skin
- Greasy patches
- Redness
- Itchiness
Many people know it as dandruff when it’s on the scalp.
What helps?
A gentle shampoo or scalp treatment can make a huge difference.
Here at Bragan, customers often choose our Scalp Soothe and Sensitive Scalp Shampoo because they are fragrance-free and kind to irritated scalps.
🟦 7. Stasis Dermatitis
Caused by blood flow problems in the lower legs.
Stasis dermatitis appears when poor circulation causes fluid to build up in the legs. This leads to:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Itching
- Dryness
- Skin that feels tight or tender
It usually affects older adults or anyone with circulation issues.
What helps?
Treating the underlying circulation problem.
Keeping the skin moisturised.
And avoiding trauma to the area.
🌿 How to Care for Any Type of Eczema
If your skin is very dry or easily irritated, you might like to explore our fragrance-free range designed for eczema-prone skin.
Every type of eczema is different. Yet, many people notice that certain habits help them feel better, such as:
- Moisturising daily
- Avoiding fragrances
- Avoiding harsh detergents
- Using gentle, simple skincare
- Keeping showers short and warm, not hot
- Choosing soft, breathable fabrics
- Staying consistent with treatment
And no matter what type of eczema you have, your skin barrier matters.
Strengthening it reduces flare-ups.
Supporting it reduces dryness.
Calming it restores comfort.
That is exactly why so many people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin love the texture and soothing feel of Bragan’s snail mucin-powered products.
Many people with eczema-prone skin in Ireland choose Bragan’s fragrance-free snail mucin range because it supports the skin barrier gently and consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Eczema in Ireland
Here are some common questions people in Ireland ask about eczema, its types, and how to manage it.
❓ What are the most common types of eczema in Ireland?
The most common types of eczema in Ireland include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, neurodermatitis and stasis dermatitis. Each type has its own triggers, patterns, and typical areas of the body it affects.
❓ Can different types of eczema overlap?
Yes. It’s possible to have more than one type of eczema at the same time. For example, someone with atopic dermatitis may also develop contact dermatitis if their sensitive skin reacts to detergents, fragrances, metals or other irritants.
❓ Does the Irish weather make eczema worse?
For many people, Ireland’s damp, cool and changeable weather can aggravate eczema. Cold winds, indoor heating, frequent rain and humidity changes can dry out or irritate the skin. This is why regular moisturising and barrier-supporting skincare is especially important for eczema-prone skin in Ireland.
❓ How do I know which type of eczema I have?
The pattern, location and appearance of the rash can offer clues.
• Coin-shaped patches may suggest nummular eczema.
• Tiny blisters on hands or feet may suggest dyshidrotic eczema.
• Flaky, greasy patches on the scalp or face may suggest seborrheic dermatitis.
However, only a GP or dermatologist can give a proper diagnosis.
❓ When should I see a doctor about my eczema?
You should speak to a doctor if your eczema is:
• very itchy or painful
• affecting your sleep or daily life
• not improving with basic skincare
• showing signs of infection (oozing, crusting, yellow spots, warmth, fever)
A healthcare professional can confirm the type of eczema you have and recommend suitable treatment.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Eczema can feel overwhelming. But understanding the type of eczema in Ireland you have can give you clarity. It can also help you choose the right skincare, the right habits, and the right support.
And remember — every person’s skin is different.
What works for one may not work for another.
But with the right information, you can start to notice what your skin responds to best.
