Eczema

Eczema is a red, scaly and itchy skin condition that may affect people of all ages. Patients with this condition tend to have dry, sensitive skin that periodically flares under various circumstances. Eczema can be mild to very severe.

 

Understanding Eczema

There are various types of eczema such as atopic dermatitis linked to hereditary and can be associated with a history of asthma, allergies and hay fever. Regional types of eczema such as eyelid dermatitis and hand dermatitis can exist associated with atopic dermatitis or a separate issue such as contact dermatitis.

 

Atopic Dermatitis

According to the National Eczema Association one in ten Americans has Atopic Dermatitis, the most common form. Atopic Dermatitis (AD) often begins with itchy skin, followed by a rash. People of all ages can be affected with this condition. Symptoms range from excessively dry, itchy skin to painful, itchy rashes that cause sleepless nights and interfere with everyday life.  In children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face and neck, along with the insides of the elbows, knees and ankles. In infants, it commonly occurs on the scalp, forehead, cheeks, neck, forearms and legs.

 

Hand Eczema

The hands are dry and chapped and become red, scaly, inflamed, and sometimes cracked and fissured. Numerous items can irritate the hands easily including overexposure to frequent washing, water, dry air, soaps, detergents, solvents, cleaning agents, various chemicals, and even ingredients found in skin and personal care products. Genetics can be involved in susceptibility to hand eczema, especially if there is a history of asthma, hay fever, and atopic dermatitis.

 

Treatment Options

Although there is currently no cure for eczema, there have been major advances in therapy which can help manage the condition better than ever before. Our providers will conduct a thorough health history and evaluation to determine your best treatment options, including:

• Skincare, including themes of protect, moisturize and use of non-irritating products
• Management of triggers
• Medication
• Light therapy

 

When it comes to managing your skin’s health, it is important to choose an experienced and knowledgeable specialist. To find out more about treatment options, schedule an appointment to meet with one of our board-certified dermatologists by calling our office at 313-884-5100.