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Eczema Q & A
What is eczema?
Eczema is a common, noncontagious skin condition that causes dry and itchy patches of skin. Irritants or allergens may trigger eczema flare-ups.
When a flare-up occurs, your immune system overreacts to allergens, assuming they’re harmful foreign invaders, like bacteria or viruses. This triggers your body’s natural defense system — resulting in inflammation and eczema symptoms.
Environmental factors like smoke, air pollutants, fabrics, soaps, or skin care products may trigger your eczema. Emotional factors like high-stress levels, anxiety, or depression may cause eczema.
Eczema can affect you at any age, and symptoms normally appear during childhood and can last throughout your life.
Genetic factors like asthma, hay fever, allergies, or dermatitis may increase your risk for eczema.
Although there’s no cure for the skin condition, various treatments can help improve your or your child’s symptoms.
How do I know if I have eczema?
Symptoms of eczema include:
- Dry or itchy skin
- Flaky or scaly skin
- Bumps on your skin
- Leathery patches of skin
- Skin rash
- Swelling
If you have a light skin tone, an eczema rash can appear pink, red, or purple. On dark skin tones, your rash may be purple, brown, or gray.
You can expect to see eczema symptoms anywhere on your skin, but most commonly on your:
- Face
- Hands
- Neck
- Elbows
- Ankles
- Knees
- Feet
While less common, eczema can appear on your nipples, breasts, vulva, or penis.
What are my eczema treatment options?
To determine the best treatment option, your provider discusses your symptoms and medical history and may conduct a skin or blood test to identify particular allergies.
You should avoid your specific allergen triggers. In addition, treatments may include:
- Moisturizing creams
- Over-the-counter (OTC) home remedies
- Prescription topical medications like corticosteroids
- Phototherapy (light therapy)
- Immunosuppressants
- Injectable biologics
Natural treatments that may improve your symptoms include bleach baths, cryotherapy, and medical-grade honey. You may also benefit from meditation, acupuncture, and humidifiers.
For babies, it’s crucial to identify and avoid certain skin irritants and hot temperatures. You can apply gentle ointments and lotions onto their damp skin after a warm bath. Your baby may need prescription medication or an oral antihistamine to improve itchy skin.
To learn more about excellent eczema care, call Maricar Cutillar-Garcia, MD, today or book an appointment online.