More information about Eczema

Eczema, otherwise known as atopic dermatitis, is the most common type of dermatitis that includes itchy, dry skin irritation. It can present in both men and women of all ages and is often identified early on in life as symptoms are visible in infants. 

Symptoms of eczema include red and itchy rashes that typically occur near where skin creases, such as behind the knees, the front of the neck, around the eyes, and the inside of elbows. 

Causes of Eczema

Eczema is not typically harmful to the body. It is not contagious and is not caused by being dirty or a lack of hygiene. In reality, eczema is caused by a combination of multiple factors such as genetics, immune activation, and environmental triggers such as chemicals and allergies. Eczema can also be heavily triggered by stress. 

There are many different treatment options to help alleviate the discomfort, inflammation, and symptoms associated with eczema. There are no medications to fully eliminate symptoms, but our expert team at Skincredible Dermatology can help you find the right treatment to make symptoms more manageable and prevent flare-ups. 

While eczema isn’t curable, it is very manageable! Patients can reduce the risk of eczema symptoms by maintaining a healthy skincare routine, keeping hands dry, using mild or fragrance-free soaps and cleaning products, maintaining a healthy exercise routine and diet, avoiding environmental triggers, reducing levels of daily stress, and drinking plenty of water.

Eczema

Eczema affects 31.6 million people in the United States, and it is estimated that at least 10% of all Americans will develop eczema at some point during their lifetime. The condition most generally manifests as an itchy red rash on the surface of the skin caused by a overactive immune system. Treatment may be necessary to manage the symptoms if this irritation becomes chronic or severe enough to interfere with daily activities.

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What Is Eczema?

Eczema, otherwise known as atopic dermatitis, is the most common type of dermatitis, including itchy, dry skin irritation. It can be present in men and women of all ages and is often identified early in life as symptoms are visible in infants.

It can affect any body part but commonly occurs in areas exposed to the elements, such as hands, feet, arms, legs, face, and scalp. This condition weakens the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, which leads to inflammation. As eczema develops, the skin in the affected areas becomes thicker, dry, and scaly. Severe eczema can be painful.

What Causes Eczema?

The exact cause of eczema is not fully understood. However, overactive immune system activity has been associated with many disease cases. In addition, researchers have found that people diagnosed with eczema don’t make enough filaggrin protein, a key ingredient for healthy skin barrier function.

Eczema Triggers

The following factors may trigger eczema:

• Food allergies
• Stress
• Overuse of cosmetics (including lotions and creams)
• Pollution and other environmental toxins
• Medications
• Physical trauma
• Infection
• Smoke
• Synthetic fabrics
• Animal dander
• Upper respiratory infections
• Genetics
• Environmental factors like low humidity levels

General Eczema Symptoms

There are several types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, nummular eczema, eczema craquele, asteatotic eczema and dyshidrotic eczema.

It is possible to have more than one type of eczema, and each could impact your physical health differently. Each form has its triggers, causes, and treatments, so it is important to consult with an eczema specialist if you suspect you might have this condition.

Symptoms of eczema include a red itchy rash that typically occurs near where skin creases, such as behind the knees, the front of the neck, around the eyes, and the inside elbows. 

If you suffer from eczema, you may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

• Itchy skin
• Dry skin
• Cracked skin
• Redness
• Swelling
• Rashes
• Skin peeling
• Painful blisters

Eczema is not typically harmful to the body. It is not contagious and is not caused by being dirty or a lack of hygiene. However, it can become problematic when it leaves rashes, sores, and open wounds on the affected area. This could lead to secondary bacterial infection, which requires medical attention. You'll want to get severe cases of eczema treated by a professional.

Eczema can occur at any age and can appear anywhere on the body. Finding the right treatment plan for your specific case is important.

Who Can Be Affected by Eczema?

Anyone can get eczema, including children, adults, and even newborn babies. Symptoms usually first appear during infancy, but can continue throughout childhood and adulthood.

However, some people are more susceptible to developing eczema than others. If you have a family history of eczema, there is a greater chance that you will develop the condition. Also, you have an increased risk of getting eczema if you have certain allergic skin conditions such as asthma, hay fever, dermatitis, or allergies. 

Eczema Treatment

There are many different treatment options to help alleviate the discomfort, inflammation, and symptoms associated with eczema. There are no medications to fully eliminate symptoms, but our expert team at Skincredible Dermatology can help you find the right treatment to make symptoms more manageable and prevent flare-ups. 

While eczema isn’t curable, it is very manageable! Patients can reduce the risk of symptoms by maintaining a healthy skin care routine, cleaning, and moisturizing affected skin, avoiding potential triggers, and using natural remedies. We offer a range of holistic treatments to help patients treat eczema and manage its symptoms, while also improving their health and well-being.

Treatment

Depending on the severity and symptoms, dermatitis treatment may differ for every patient. Sometimes, treatment may be as simple as using a moisturizer, ointment, cream, or other tropical application. Other times, wet wrap therapy and other self-care measures might help. In severe cases, oral medication might be prescribed as the best treatment option. Often, multiple different treatments are combined to help alleviate symptoms.

Treatment generally includes one or more of the following:

Topical Steroid

A topical steroid is a medicine that treats eczema and dermatitis, as well as other skin diseases. Topical steroids are also known as topical corticosteroids, glucocorticoids, and cortisone. They are available as creams, lotions, ointments, and gels.

Topical steroids are usually applied to the skin once or twice a day. They have immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and vasoconstrictive properties which make them helpful in treating eczema and allergic contact dermatitis.

Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors

Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) are a type of immunomodulator that work by changing the immune system. They have been utilized to treat atopic eczema. Tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) and pimecrolimus cream (Elidel) are the two eczema medications available to treat moderate to severe eczema or atopic dermatitis.

The use of TCIs is indicated for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults and children aged 2 years or older who are not responding adequately to or cannot tolerate traditional therapy including topical steroids.

Oral Corticosteroids

Oral corticosteroids are frequently given in treating severe dermatitis since they are highly effective in soothing inflamed skin. Oral steroids, also known as immunosuppressants, are a class of drug that helps to reduce skin flare-ups and relieve your discomfort quickly.

Wet Dressings for Severe Eczema

The provider will wrap your skin in wet bandages to help treat the severe atopic dermatitis you have. This treatment may include a corticosteroid together with the wet bandages, then wrapping up tightly for 2 hours or overnight.

How Can Skincredible Dermatology Help?

Eczema is a chronic condition that can improve immediately with treatment but there is no cure. At Skincredible, we understand this and will develop a customized treatment plan for the long-term management of your eczema. Our eczema specialist can help identify which type of eczema you have and determine which treatment plan best suits your specific skin condition.

We offer a wide range of specialized services to diagnose and treat your eczema. Call us today at 949-545-6605 to learn more about how we can help you achieve clear, beautiful skin.

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