Eczema Specialist

What is eczema?

Dryness, itching, and inflammation are three of the main symptoms of eczema, a common skin disorder that causes intermittent rashes. Also called atopic dermatitis, eczema isn’t contagious. While you can’t spread it to people you touch or interact with, it can cause you a lot of discomfort. 

Eczema inflammation appears because the condition causes your skin to lose a protective barrier. The loss of this barrier leaves it sensitive and vulnerable to infections. Fortunately, there are plenty of treatment options to help you manage your symptoms and minimize eczema flare-ups. 

What does eczema look like?

When your eczema flares up, the rashes can appear on almost any area of the skin. Some of the most common areas for eczema are the hands, neck, inner elbows, and knees. 

The specific signs and symptoms of eczema vary a little from person to person, but some of its most common features are:

• Cracked skin
• Scaly skin
• Raised bumps
• Crusting
• Oozing
• Red patches
• Dryness
  
  

You should try your best not to scratch your rashes as scratching can rip the skin, cause bleeding, and lead to an infection. Eczema flare-ups eventually clear up by themselves, and you might even go into permanent remission. Still, you want to find relief while a flare-up is active, and the Dermatology Center can help. 

How can I relieve eczema?

Treating eczema might require more than one approach. Your dermatologist discusses possible triggers with you since certain factors in your environment can cause eczema flare-ups without your realization. Identifying and avoiding your triggers can make a major difference in the number and severity of your flare-ups. 

There are a few different clinical treatments available to ease eczema, too. Your dermatologist considers the causes while selecting treatments for you to try, such as:

Topical corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are known for their ability to reduce inflammation. Applying them topically to an eczema rash can control some of the redness, swelling, and itching. 

Calcineurin inhibitors

Calcineurin inhibitors are for smaller eczema rashes. They work by stopping one of the chemicals involved in your immune system that causes eczema irritation. These topical medications can treat current rashes and prevent future flare-ups. 

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are oral medications to control itching from eczema. Taking them can help you sleep better and avoid some of the complications of scratching, like bleeding and infections. 

Antibiotics

Antibiotics can fight or prevent infections that can occur because of the cracks in your skin due to eczema. 

Eczema might not be curable, but you can manage it with help from a dermatologist. Book your appointment at the Dermatology Center by phone or online today.