What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin problem where the skin loses its moisture, thereby causing a rash, often along with other symptoms like:
- Itchiness
- Burning
- Dry skin
- Rough, patchy, and flaky skin
- Thickened skin
- Oozing lesions
Although you can get eczema at any age, it's most common in children. Children often grow out of eczema or at least have less troublesome symptoms as they age.
How do eczema and psoriasis look different?
Sometimes, eczema and psoriasis are confused because they both cause dry patches of irritated skin. However, they're actually quite different in appearance.
Psoriasis generally causes white or silvery scales, while eczema patches are typically a highly inflamed-looking red or pink color. If you're not sure which condition you're dealing with, your provider at Advanced Dermatology does a comprehensive skin exam to make a diagnosis and get you started with an effective treatment for either condition.
What causes eczema?
At this time, the causes of eczema aren't certain. However, researchers say the cause may be a blend of genetics and specific triggers. It's well-known that eczema runs in families, so if you have an immediate relative with eczema, your odds of dealing with it yourself increase.
Some of the triggers that tend to bring on eczema flare-ups are:
- Skin irritants like lotions, hair products, and laundry detergents
- Lack of skin moisture
- Stress and anxiety
The good news is that once your current flare-ups are well-controlled, you can prevent future flare-ups by being mindful of triggers.
To help avoid some of the most common triggers, your provider recommends shopping for products with the National Eczema Association seal of approval. You can find hair products, skin products, household cleaners, and laundry cleaners with this seal.
How is eczema treated?
Eczema treatment at Advanced Dermatology is customized just for you. Some options include:
- Topical prescriptions: corticosteroid creams, topical calcineurin inhibitors, or other creams for symptom control
- Oral medication: biologics, immunosuppressants, antibiotics, or antihistamines to control symptoms
- Phototherapy: ultraviolet light exposure helps curb eczema side effects like itching and redness
Often, a combination of therapies is the right solution. Your provider helps you get your flare-ups under control so you can finally be comfortable again. They also prescribe a long-term plan to help you stay free of flare-ups.
Use the online booking tool or call Advanced Dermatology to schedule your eczema consultation today.
