Eczema Specialist

What is eczema?

Eczema is a common skin condition that causes your skin to become red, itchy, and inflamed. Although there are eight types of eczema, atopic dermatitis is the most common. Usually referred to as the “itch that rashes,” atopic dermatitis is a severe and chronic form of eczema.

What causes eczema?

Eczema usually develops due to a combination of genes and environmental triggers. When you come into contact with something you might be allergic to, your immune system takes defensive action, causing your skin cells to behave differently and ultimately leading to an eczema flare-up. Allergens or triggers that could aggravate your condition include:

• Emotional stress
• Excessive sweating
• Cold, dry climates
• Animal dander and saliva
• Scratchy fabrics such as wool
• Soaps or perfumes
• Fruit juices
• Dust

Identifying the environmental factors that trigger your condition is the first step toward better managing the disease.

What are common symptoms of eczema?

Eczema is usually itchy. Yours might be mild, or it might be so extreme that your skin becomes inflamed and you scratch until your skin bleeds. This is called the “itch-scratch” cycle.

Symptoms you should look for include:

• Dry, sensitive skin
• Red, inflamed skin
• Very bad itching
• Dark colored patches of skin
• Rough, leathery, or scaly patches of skin
• Oozing or crusting
• Areas of swelling

Symptoms can vary from person to person. It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with the doctors at Coastline Dermatology Laser & Medical Center to diagnose which type of eczema you might be suffering from.

How is eczema treated?

Your treatment plan will vary depending on your specific case of eczema. The doctors at Coastline Dermatology Laser & Medical Center help you determine the best course of action for managing your condition. Treatment options include over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, prescription topical medications, phototherapy, immunosuppressants, and biologic drugs.

Most people find success managing their symptoms by doing the following:

• Identify your triggers so you can avoid exposure
• Maintain a daily moisturizing routine
• Use your OTC and prescription medication consistently and as prescribed
  
  

Call Coastline Dermatology Laser & Medical Center or book an appointment online to schedule a consultation for eczema.