Eczema, often called dermatitis, refers to eight types of inflammatory skin conditions. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. Other types include contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and hand dermatitis.
Eczema may develop for the first time in adults, but it primarily affects infants and young children. In 60% of all cases, it appears before the age of one and for some, it persists into adulthood.
Eczema can appear anywhere on your body and you can have more than one type at the same time. Symptoms most often occur on the face, neck, and the insides of your elbows, knees, and ankles.
The different types of eczema share two common symptoms: itching and redness. Otherwise, its appearance varies. You may have dry, red, scaly skin or skin that’s red and swollen. Some people develop a red, bumpy rash or blisters that ooze then form a scab. In some cases, eczema is painful.
Eczema symptoms flare up when you’re exposed to the substances that trigger your immune system. Dry skin often causes a flare-up. Other common triggers include:
When over-the-counter products fail to relieve your itchy skin or rash, please don’t hesitate to contact the dermatologists at Park South Medical.
A professional assessment is important because some types of eczema are more likely to become chronic without proper treatment. As you scratch what begins as a mild itch, you can damage your skin. As the damage gradually worsens, it becomes a flare-up that’s hard to treat.
Treatment for eczema relies on multiple strategies designed to relieve your current flare-up while preventing future eruptions. In some cases, your Park South dermatologist may also recommend allergy patch testing in addition to your individualized treatment plan, which may include one or more of the following:
Don’t continue to suffer from skin irritation, call Park South Medical or schedule an appointment online for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.