Eczema Specialist

What is eczema?

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that commonly causes dry, itchy patches of skin or a rash, on your face, elbows, knees, and feet. Eczema can affect anyone at any age, but it’s often prevalent in children. While the exact cause of eczema is somewhat of a mystery, and there’s no cure, there are steps you can take to reduce flare-ups and manage symptoms effectively.

The word “atopic” describes a group of allergic or associated diseases that often affect several members of a family. These families may have allergies such as hay fever and asthma but also have skin eruptions called atopic dermatitis. The disease can occur at any age but is most common in infants to young adults. The skin rash is very itchy and sometimes disfiguring.

There are many different types of eczema, including:

• Contact dermatitis, as a result of touching a skin irritant or allergen
• Seborrheic dermatitis, which is a combination of genetics, hormones, and microorganisms on your skin
• Stasis dermatitis, as a result of poor circulation in your leg veins
• Nummular eczema, often as a result of allergens
  
  

While symptoms are often unpleasant and appear bothersome, eczema is not contagious.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Symptoms vary widely from person to person, but eczema typically involves any of the following symptoms:

• Dry, itchy patches of skin
• Small, raised bumps that leak fluid and become crusty from scratching
• Thick, scaly, cracked skin
• Brownish patches of skin
• Raw, sensitive areas of skin
• Severe itching at night
• Areas of irritated, swollen skin
  
  

Sometimes, eczema flare-ups come and go, often for long periods of time, until something triggers a flare-up, and you experience uncomfortable, or even unbearable symptoms.

What are effective treatments for eczema?

At HK Dermatology, your doctor will provide advice on how to relieve this condition such as avoiding rough, scratchy or tight clothing, rapid changes of temperature, activities that provoke sweating, dealing with emotional upsets which make the condition worse. You will also be given instruction on proper bathing and moisturizing. At HK Dermatology, your doctor takes an individualized approach to treating your eczema symptoms and helping you learn how to prevent flare-ups. Your personalized treatment plan may include:

• Applying moisturizer to your skin twice a day or more frequently
• Identifying and avoiding eczema triggers, like certain foods, chemicals, or allergens
• Applying medicated ointments to control itching
• Reducing and managing stress
• Oral medications
• Light therapy
  
  

Understanding external factors that trigger your flare-ups and learning how to care for your skin can help reduce the severity of symptoms and the frequency of flare-ups. If you’re struggling to get your eczema under control, call to schedule a consultation at HK Dermatology in San Juan Capistrano, California, or request an appointment using the convenient online scheduling system.