What is eczema?
Eczema, often referred to as atopic dermatitis, includes a group of itchy, inflammatory skin conditions. Most cases of eczema appear before the age of five and may persist throughout adolescence and into adulthood. However, you can also develop eczema as an adult.
Children with eczema have a higher risk of future health problems. Of all children younger than five who have eczema, 30% develop food allergies. Up to 80% of children with eczema go on to develop asthma or allergic rhinitis in later childhood.
What symptoms develop due to eczema?
Eczema is itchy, sometimes so intensely itchy that it interferes with sleep and leads to scratching that further damages the skin. But you can have a variety of symptoms, including:
- Red, inflamed skin
- Small bumps that ooze and crust over
- Raw, sensitive skin due to scratching
- Scaly, dry skin
- Thickened, cracked skin
- Dark-colored patches of skin
Young children tend to develop eczema on their cheeks, elbows, and knees. In older children and adults, the condition is more likely to occur on their hands, feet, arms, and the back of their knees.
What triggers eczema?
Most patients have periods when their eczema symptoms flare-up, followed by a period of remission that lasts until an irritant triggers another flare.
These are a few examples of eczema triggers:
- Dry skin
- Stress
- Soap
- Fabrics
- Certain foods
- Skin care products
- Cigarette smoke
- Changes in humidity
- Antibacterial ointment
If you have allergies, your allergens may trigger your flare-ups.
How is eczema treated?
Dr. Sandhu develops a comprehensive treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and help prevent future flares.
Your treatments may include:
Skin care regimen
It’s important to protect and strengthen your skin by regularly applying a moisturizer and using gentle skin care products.
Avoiding eczema triggers
Dr. Sandhu can help you identify your eczema triggers and create a plan for avoiding them. If she suspects allergies activate your eczema flares, she may recommend allergy testing and allergy shots.
Medication
Topical steroids relieve inflammation, while oral immunosuppressants stop the itch-scratch cycle that worsens eczema. Dr. Sandhu may treat moderate-to-severe eczema with biologic therapy that reduces inflammation and decreases symptoms.
If you suffer from an itchy, persistent skin rash, call Magnolia Allergy and Asthma or book an appointment online.
