Eczema

What is eczema?

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes irritation. It’s common in small children but can appear at any age. The condition has no official cure.

While eczema can appear almost anywhere on your body, common areas include the insides of your elbows, the backs of your knees, your face, and your hands. 

Eczema symptoms include:

• Itching
• Dry skin
• Red or gray patches
• Skin cracks and scales
• Fluid-leaking bumps

It can be difficult not to scratch your eczema rashes, but you should try your best not to scratch to avoid aggravating them. The rashes might clear up entirely after childhood or return intermittently throughout your life. 

What are my treatment options for eczema?

There are many options to treat eczema rashes and prevent future flare-ups. Dr. Forsha and the team at Jordan Valley Dermatology Center examine your skin to make a diagnosis before planning treatment for your eczema. 

They can relieve some of your discomfort with professional treatments and care. They can also make recommendations for home remedies to ease some of the itching and redness. To ease your flare-ups, they might recommend:

• Topical corticosteroids
• Oral corticosteroids
• Antibiotic creams for infections
• Phototherapy
• Wet dressings

Your treatments often depend on your age or the age of your child with eczema. For infants, Dr. Forsha and his team might recommend lubricants, creams, or oils. It might also help to keep you or your child’s skin out of extreme temperatures, which can aggravate a flare-up.

How can I prevent eczema flare-ups?

Preventing eczema flare-ups isn’t always possible since you often can’t predict them. However, you can take steps to reduce your instances of flare-ups and keep your skin healthy. To prevent dryness, irritation, and other eczema symptoms, you should:

• Minimize your time in the bath or shower
• Bathe in diluted bleach
• Choose mild soaps and skin care products
• Avoid triggers like sweat and stress
• Moisturize diligently

Dr. Forsha and his team can recommend gentle, high-quality skin care products, like moisturizers and soaps, that aren’t hard on your skin. They can also help you identify your triggers if you aren’t sure what contributes to your eczema flare-ups. 

Irritated skin is distracting and can affect your sleep. For expert eczema treatment for yourself or your child, call Jordan Valley Dermatology Center or book an appointment online today.