If you have dry, itchy, red, inflamed skin you may have eczema. These atopic dermatitis flare-ups tend to arise more in the winter because of the extra dry air. If you have eczema, you might display the following conditions:
Eczema Symptoms:
-Skin that is thick and cracked
-Severe itching, particularly during the night
-Tiny, raised bumps that may leak fluid and scab over when scratched
-Skin that is raw and sensitive to the touch
-Scaly patches that look red to brownish-gray
While eczema can be caused by stress, infections, skin irritations, exposure to dust or pet dander allergens, it often gets worse in the wintertime, leaving you with flare-ups. This is due to the dry air from indoor heating that saps moisture from your skin. To help you navigate this winter season more comfortably, the following may help:
What You Can Do at Home
-Take warm, not hot baths, and blot, not rub, your skin
-Replace harsh soap with a moisturizing version that is fragrance, dye, and alcohol-free.
-Use laundry detergent for sensitive skin
-Moisturize with heavy products like petroleum jelly or hydrocortisone or hydrocortisone acetate cream
-Wear breathable materials like cotton and avoid overheating with layers
-Hydrate with lots of water
-Humidify your home.
If you have eczema, our dermatologists may prescribe topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors (Protopic), antihistamines, and antibiotics to help you find relief. Antihistamines can relieve itching and antibiotics can also be helpful in treating your skin condition. If you have skin problems, we welcome you to call Kraig Jenson, PC, Dermatology Center today for more information or to schedule an appointment in Orem, Utah, with Dr. Jenson and Dr. Edwards.
