Eczema in Media & Paoli, PA
Eczema is a condition where you’ll experience dry, itchy, and often inflamed skin. It usually is found to occur in children but can happen at any age. Eczema is a chronic condition that is met with flare-ups over time and is not contagious. It’s important to understand all of the information about eczema so that it can be managed properly and not confused for a different skin condition.
Types of Eczema
Eczema is actually a group of conditions that cause the skin to be red and itchy and it is a very common condition. There are seven different types of eczema that you might deal with. This includes:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Neurodermatitis
- Dyshidrotic eczema
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Stasis dermatitis
The most common form of eczema is atopic eczema and you might actually be dealing with more than one form at a time.
Symptoms and Causes of Eczema
Most commonly, you should notice that eczema leaves you with symptoms like dry, cracked skin, itchiness, a rash, small, raised bumps, oozing and crusting, thickened skin, and raw sensitive skin from scratching. Eczema is usually hereditary and is found to be related to a gene variation. There are certain things that may trigger eczema to flare up. These triggers include:
- Rough wool fabric
- Dry, unmoisturized skin
- Heat
- Stress
- Certain cleaning products
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Pollen
- Tobacco smoke
- Cold and dry air
- Certain fragrances
Diagnosing and Treating Eczema
To diagnose eczema, your doctor will discuss your symptoms and completely examine your rash. They will rule out any other skin conditions or allergies that may also cause similar rashes.
Once you’re officially diagnosed with eczema, your doctor will create a treatment plan to help you manage your flare-ups. This could be with the use of medications applied to the skin, antibiotics to treat infections, pills to control inflammation, and certain therapies. Your doctor may recommend light therapy or wet dressings to deal with eczema.