Eczema - Before and After
What is Eczema
Eczema is the most common inflammatory skin disease. It is a genetic condition which causes the skin to become irritated and inflamed. About 10-20% of infants and 3% of adults in the U.S. suffer from Eczema. Ask a question or call us for proper diagnosis and treatment for your type of skin break out.
What causes Eczema?
While the exact cause of Eczema is unknown, it can be linked to an overactive response by the immune system following exposure to an irritant. Some of these irritants include coming into contact with rough material or fabrics, household detergents or soaps, and even stress or illness like the common cold.
Dr. Parvin Shafa will help you identify and avoid the triggering factors for your Eczema breakouts.
Patients who have Eczema may also have an ineffective skin barrier which lets in germs and lets needed moisture out.
Eczema is also thought to be genetic and is commonly found in families who have history of other allergies or asthma.
What are the symptoms of Eczema?
No matter what part of the body your Eczema affects, it will always be itchy. Sometimes, itching may even occur before the rash appears. Eczema rash tends to break out on the face, behind the knees, wrists, hands, and feet.
The skin will look thick, scaly, and dry. For patients with lighter skin the area may appear red at first but may darken to brown. For those with darker skin, Eczema may affect pigmentation making the skin lighter or darker.
Is Eczema contagious?
While Eczema is not contagious it is still important to have your skin evaluated by a dermatologist if you are experiencing any symptoms. If an Eczema flare up is left untreated, you may continue to scratch so severely that you may injure the protective barrier of the skin.
This injury can allow bacteria or fungus that live on the surface of the skin to invade the skin causing an infection. In the case of such a secondary infection, you may benefit from an antibiotic or antifungal treatment. Make an appointment today to get your itching under control.
Is there a cure?
The good news is that most patients are clear of eczema by the time they are 10 years old. For those patients whose Eczema persists after childhood, flare ups can be controlled with proper treatment. Some cases of moderate to severe Eczema require persistent, continuous treatment since there is no cure for Eczema.
Treatment options for Eczema
Allow our dermatologist, Dr. Parvin Shafa, to customize an eczema treatment which will suit your needs and lifestyle.
Treatment may be as simple as proper moisturization, identifying and avoiding triggering factors through laboratory testing, lifestyle adjustments to manage stress and weather changes, Rx strength topical lotions and ointments, all the way to if needed light therapy.
How can I prevent Eczema flare ups?
Once your current Eczema break out is under control and you have discontinued Rx treatment, we will provide you with the tools and education you need to prevent future flare ups. We have samples available of all over the counter Eczema therapies. In general, we recommend Aveeno Eczema for regular moisturization and care of the skin barrier.