Eczema

Eczema is characterized by painful, dry, red rashes and itching. If you are experiencing symptoms of eczema, it is important to know you’re not alone. Eczema affects roughly 10 percent of infants and about three percent of adults and children over the age of 10.Eczema is a medical condition that causes the skin to be inflamed or irritated. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, which is an itchy, red rash that can affect any area of the body. There is no cure for eczema but it can be managed and most children will outgrow eczema by the age of 10.

Common Causes of Eczema

It is unknown what causes eczema, but it has been said to be linked to an overactive response from the body’s immune system to an irritant. Many doctors believe that the causes are linked to allergic disease such as hay fever or asthma. Recent research also suggests those with eczema may have defects in the barrier proteins of the skin, making it more likely to be dry and vulnerable to irritants.

Symptoms of eczema can also begin for the first time and any stage of life. Eczema that develops later in life is often associated with an initial cut or scrape.

Indicators of Eczema

Eczema can appear all over the body with the most common spots being the neck, wrists, ankles, and in areas that bend such as the elbow and knee. Babies often have eczema on the face, especially the cheek and chin areas.  You may experience irritation similar to hives when having Eczema.

Symptoms of Eczema

Dry, red or sensitive skinIntense itchingScaly or leathery patches of skinOozing or crustingAreas of swellingDark patches of skinIt you develop any of the symptoms above or have lived with eczema and would like to explore treatments to help manage eczema, call Skin and Cancer Center of Scottsdale today at  (480) 596-1110.

Treatment of Eczema

Eczema can be treated with over-the-counter remedies that may or may not be effective. The best way to treat and prevent eczema is a specific system of bathing and moisturizing. It is important to take short, warm (not hot) showers and moisturize with lotion immediately afterwards.

Additional treatments include the following:

• Hydrocortisone is an over-the-counter steroid cream that can help with the symptoms related to mild eczema.

• Prescription strength steroid cream may be prescribed to help with more severe eczema that does not respond to over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams.

• Oral Antihistamines such as Benadryl can help with symptoms related to eczema including itching.

• Corticosteroids may be prescribed by a doctor to help treat

• Ultraviolet Light Therapy can help treat symptoms of eczema at the sight of an outbreak.

• Immunosuppressants can help keep outbreaks at bay.

• Prescription-strength moisturizers can help keep skin properly moisturized when over-the-counter moisturizers aren’t effective.

A dermatologist can help you with treatment options and ongoing care to help maintain your skin and treat outbreaks.