Eczema

Between 15 and 20% of people experience eczema at some point in their lives, often during childhood. The team at The Dermatology Center of Worcester treats the irritating skin condition using the latest methods and practices to alleviate itching and help you avoid complications like a skin infection. To schedule an eczema treatment consultation, call The Dermatology Center of Worcester or book online today.

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What is eczema?

Eczema (eg-zuh-MUH) is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections. Itchy skin is the most common symptom of eczema. There are seven different types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis. 

While eczema is a chronic (long-term) condition, its symptoms tend to appear in intermittent flare-ups throughout life. Some people get regular flare-ups while others’ eczema stays in remission indefinitely. There is no cure for eczema, but there are plenty of strategies for managing symptoms and minimizing the number of flare-ups. 

Eczema is not contagious. You can’t “catch it” from someone else. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers do know that people develop eczema because of an interaction between genes and environmental triggers.

What are the most common symptoms of eczema?

Eczema symptoms vary greatly between individuals who have it. Your symptoms can change based on your age too. Typically starting around age five, the condition involves:

• Itch
• Dryness, sensitive skin
• Inflamed, discolored skin
• Rough, leathery or scaly skin, appearing as scaly patches
• Oozing or crusting
• Areas of swelling

A few of the most common places to get an eczema rash are your hands, neck, inner elbows and knees, and feet. The condition can severely affect your sleep because of the itching, and it makes your skin prone to infections. If you see red streaks or yellow pus, you should notify your dermatologist immediately. 

How can I manage my eczema?

Eczema treatment involves a combination of medications and taking steps to minimize future flare-ups. Some people get eczema flare-ups in response to certain products or allergens, so taking steps to avoid triggers like those is crucial if you want to minimize symptoms. 

The team at The Dermatology Center of Worcester develops an individualized care plan to tackle your eczema during a flare-up. There are many treatments that help alleviate symptoms, including:

• Cortisone ointments and creams
• Steroid pills
• Antihistamines
• Topical immunomodulators
• Phototherapy
• Wet dressings

The team at The Dermatology Center of Worcester might also prescribe antibiotics to prevent or eliminate a skin infection associated with eczema. In the home, you can manage your itching by taking warm baths, using a humidifier, and using nonprescription anti-itch products. 

Eczema dryness, cracking, and irritation can quickly become an enormous hurdle, especially if it affects your sleep. Call The Dermatology Center of Worcester or schedule an appointment online for an eczema treatment consultation today.

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