What is eczema?
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes redness and itching. The condition affects men, women, and children of all ages, with symptoms worsening during periodic flare-ups. In some cases, eczema occurs alongside hay fever allergies or asthma attacks.
Other dermatological conditions, like psoriasis, hives, and rashes, have symptoms similar to eczema. Dr. Terezakis and Dr. Grieshaber evaluate your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Once they reach an accurate diagnosis, they can provide the most effective treatment.
What causes eczema?
Your skin protects you from irritants, allergens, and bacteria. When skin is healthy, it retains the moisture necessary to offer this protection.
When you have eczema, your skin is incapable of providing this protection due to a gene variation that affects your skin’s health. As a result, environmental toxins, bacteria, and allergens easily irritate your skin.
What are the symptoms of eczema?
The symptoms of eczema can differ from person to person. You may experience one or more of the following:
- Severely dry skin
- Persistent itching
- Cracked or scaly skin
- Discolored skin patches
- Increased skin sensitivity
You may also develop small, raised bumps that leak fluid when scratched and then scab over. The frequent need to scratch can also cause open wounds and bleeding.
What treatments are available for eczema?
Eczema has no cure, but effective treatments help you manage your symptoms. Some available treatments include:
- Injectable medications
- Topical corticosteroid creams
- Oral anti-inflammatory medications
If your skin becomes infected, you may also require a course of antibiotics.
When medications are an ineffective treatment for chronic eczema, light therapy may be a viable treatment option for controlling flares. Your symptoms are likely to return during flare-up periods and require additional treatmentHow can I prevent eczema flare-ups?
Taking good care of your skin helps control the frequency and severity of eczema flare-ups. You should use high-quality moisturizers for sensitive skin daily to prevent dryness. After a shower, always pat your skin gently, rather than rubbing it dry, to help retain moisture.
You should also identify and avoid the triggers that cause your flare-ups, including pollen, stress, and certain soaps and laundry detergents.
Dr. Terezakis and Dr. Grieshaber help you determine other potential triggers that cause eczema flare-ups.
Schedule a consultation online or by phone to learn more.
