Are you noticing patches of red, inflamed and itchy skin? Well, if you are, there’s a very good chance that you might be suffering from a skin condition known as eczema. Eczema is characterized by the appearance of inflamed, red, cracked, rough, and itchy skin. You might even notice the formation of blisters.
Get Diagnosed and Reclaim Your Life
Around 31.6% of people in the US are affected with eczema, in some stage or form. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The term “atopic” refers to a collection of diseases that are linked to the immune system.
It is possible for some people to outgrow eczema. However, some will continue to suffer from the condition even as adults.
Let’s take a look at some key facts about eczema.
- The condition can be triggered by certain foods, especially dairy and nuts.
- It can also be triggered by environmental factors, such as pollen or smoke.
- It is not curable and can only be treated.
- Symptoms of the condition can vary from one person to another, but frequently involve the appearance of itchy, scaly patches of skin.
- It is not contagious at all.
- Treatment for eczema is focused on healing the damages to the skin and minimizing the symptoms. The symptoms for eczema can be managed easily.
What are the Symptoms of Eczema?
As stated earlier, the symptoms for eczema can vary from person to person. For instance, factors like age play a significant role. Atopic dermatitis is quite common among infants and is characterized by the appearance of scaly and dry patches on the skin. These patches are also very itchy.
Atopic dermatitis develops in most people before the age of five. 50% of those who develop the condition as children carry it on as adults. However, the symptoms experienced are quite different during the adult stage.
People affected by eczema will go through periods of flare up, where the symptoms worsen. Then, there are periods where the symptoms improve or even disappear.
Effective Treatment and Remedies for Eczema
As stated earlier, the condition cannot be cured. However, there are natural remedies and medications to ease the symptoms.
Natural remedies include bathing in lukewarm water, moisturizing the skin, using mild soaps, using a humidifier in cold or dry weather, etc.
Medications for treating eczema range from corticosteroid creams to antihistamines. Corticosteroid creams here refer to anti-inflammatory medications that are known to be very effective in relieving the symptoms of eczema.
There are also antibiotics to treat eczema. However, they’re usually prescribed when eczema shows up at the same time with a bacterial skin infection. Antifungal and antiviral medications are prescribed for similar reasons.
Phototherapy is another treatment option, where the skin is exposed to A and B ultraviolet waves.
Dermaclinique Can Help You Achieve Skin You Want to Show off
If you suspect you may have eczema, get in touch with Dr. Priya Nayyar at Dermaclinique. Dr. Nayyar is a board certified and fellowship trained procedural dermatologist with years of experience. She can offer guidance on the appropriate treatment for your eczema.
Contact Dermaclinique for more details or to book an appointment with Dr. Nayyar.