Eczema Specialist

What is eczema?

Eczema is a common skin condition that causes itchy, red, dry skin patches. While common among children, eczema can develop at any age. Your symptoms might come and go or linger long term. While there’s no cure for the condition, treatment can reduce unpleasant eczema symptoms and clear up your skin. 

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Common symptoms of eczema include:

• Itchy skin
• Dry skin
• Small raised bumps
• Brown, gray, or red patches
• Crusted bumps
• Scaly, cracked, or thickened skin
• Sensitive skin after scratching

Symptoms vary widely from person to person and could appear on your hands, wrist, feet, ankles, neck, chest, or other areas of your body. Skin infections may develop because of raw skin linked with ongoing itching and scratching.

What are the risk factors for eczema?

While the cause isn’t entirely clear, risk factors for developing eczema include food allergies, personal history of eczema, and family history of eczema. History of allergies, asthma, or hay fever are also linked with eczema, though its exact cause isn’t known.

Ways to reduce your chance of experiencing eczema symptoms include keeping your skin clean and moisturized and avoiding allergens or potentially irritating skin care products. 

How does my doctor diagnose eczema?

To diagnose eczema and develop an effective treatment, the Fayette Area Dermatology team discusses your symptoms and medical history. They examine your skin in areas containing unpleasant symptoms and may recommend skin patch testing for allergies. 

How is eczema treated?

Your eczema treatment plan could include:

Topical creams

Using topical medicated creams reduces dry and scaly skin and other uncomfortable symptoms of eczema.

Oral medications

Your Fayette Area Dermatology provider could recommend taking oral medicines to clear up skin affected by eczema and reduce the risk of infection. 

Light therapy

Exposing your skin to controlled artificial or natural light may improve the health of your skin by reducing signs of eczema.

Infusions

Monoclonal antibody infusions are a newer treatment for eczema. Ask your dermatologist if they’re right for you.

Wet dressings

You might wrap affected areas of your skin with topical medications and wet bandages to clear up eczema symptoms.

Keep your skin moisturized and use medications or creams exactly as instructed by your Fayette Area Dermatology provider. 

To get relief from itchy skin caused by eczema, call the Fayette Area Dermatology office or schedule an appointment online today.