Eczema is actually a collection of conditions that cause itchy, red, and inflamed skin. Eczema is extremely common, but is manageable with the right care. At Tidewater Dermatology, Dr. Jonathan Schreiber and his team can help you reduce symptoms and outbreaks of this sometimes frustrating skin condition. Call or use the online booking agent to make an appointment to take control of your eczema today
Eczema is sometimes known as dermatitis, which simply means inflammation of the skin. Symptoms differ slightly among people but are usually characterized by itching, red skin. You can develop eczema in different places on your body, including your elbows, face, arms, legs, back, and hands. Common symptoms include:
Eczema is not contagious.
Several types of eczema exist. One of the most common and chronic is atopic dermatitis, which happens when your immune system overreacts. Contact dermatitis is eczema that occurs when you touch a trigger, such as a type of cloth or chemical. The other types include:
Having more than one type of eczema is possible. The doctors at Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater perform a thorough review of your symptoms and medical history so they can tailor your treatment plan to your particular eczema case.
Researchers aren't entirely sure what causes eczema, but it seems to be a result of a combination of:
Eczema can run in families. Children often develop eczema and outgrow it as they age. However, eczema may persist into adulthood.
Triggers don’t cause eczema, but can stimulate your immune system and result in flare-ups. Common triggers include:
If you have eczema, your skin is sensitive. You may exacerbate eczema if you have prolonged exposure to water, fail to moisturize regularly, or live in a dry climate.
At Tidewater Dermatology, the team can help educate you on how to care for your sensitive skin. They can recommend over-the-counter remedies and, depending on the severity of your eczema, also offer prescription topical medications, oral immuno-suppressants (such as prednisone) and biologics. Biologics, a new classification of injectable drugs, are designed to suppress the immune system. These tend to be very expensive, so they are generally reserved for the most severe cases. All of these treatments can help control flare-ups. The Tidewater Team will work with you to identify triggers so you can minimize discomfort.
If you suffer from inflamed, red, and itchy skin due to eczema, contact Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater to effectively treat and manage your symptoms.
