What is eczema?
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is an outward skin condition that’s the result of an underlying problem within your body. Although eczema is common in children, you can get it at any age. It’s a chronic condition that flares up periodically and makes your skin red, itchy, and uncomfortable.
It’s not contagious, and there’s no cure for eczema. The goal of treatment is to help you manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
What are the symptoms of eczema?
Symptoms vary from person to person, but typically, if you have eczema, you experience any or all of the following:
- Dry, sensitive, swollen areas of skin
- Severe itching that tends to worsen at night
- Red skin rash
- Patches of small raised bumps on the surface of your skin
- Areas of thickened, cracked skin
- Red or brown-colored patches of skin
It’s common for eczema to appear all over your body in areas including:
- Hands and wrists
- Feet and ankles
- Upper chest
- Neck
- Elbows
- Knees
- Face and eyelids
- Scalp
Children who have eczema often have it on their faces and in their scalps. The condition usually develops before age five and continues into adulthood. It’s also possible for your symptoms to clear up for several years and then return later in life.
How does a dermatologist treat eczema?
When you come to Texas Skin Center for eczema, Dr. Sedrak examines your skin and talks to you about the causes and frequency of your flare-ups. Typically, moisturizers, medications, or light therapy (for severe cases) can help you keep symptoms under control and minimize flare-ups. Dr. Sedrak may also recommend that you focus on preventing flare-ups by avoiding common triggers such as soaps, laundry detergent, and allergens, including certain foods, that could be contributing to your skin irritation.
Together, you’ll work together with Dr. Sedrak to find a solution to your itchy symptoms so you can manage eczema long term. Since stress is often a contributing factor to eczema flare-ups, you may also discuss ways to reduce and manage stress in your life.
If you or a family member suffers from disruptive episodes of eczema, book an appointment online today, or call the Texas Skin Center location near you.
