Eczema

When it comes to diseases that affect the overall health of your skin, there is commonly some confusion surrounding what is eczema. Many people mistakenly apply the term eczema to conditions that are actually a different type of skin disease, and therefore requires a different type of treatment. Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis which is characterized as an itchy inflammation of your skin. This is the primary symptom that make people wonder if they are experiencing psoriasis or eczema. While you may compare your symptoms to pictures to see what kind of eczema you have, you will most likely benefit from a trip to your dermatologist in order to receive a more accurate diagnosis.

What causes eczema?

Unfortunately the exact cause of eczema has eluded doctors and the medical community to this point. From the data that is available, it is believed to be a combination of irritable and dry skin in conjunction with a malfunction in the body's immune system. It is speculated that eczema has a genetic orrigin, but this is unconfirmed and even questioned in the medical community. There is s common belief that stress can cause eczema. This is misleading due to the fact that there is no evidence that supports stress causing a flareup of eczema. It can however make your symptoms worse.

Eczema symptoms

Eczema can show itself in several different ways and can be very similar to other skin conditions such as psoriasis. This can make it difficult to identify in a few cases. The common symptoms of eczema include:

• Severe itching at night
• Raised bumps which can lead to fluid leakage
• Thick and cracked scaly skin
• Sensitive and raw skin from scratching
• Brownish-gray and red colored patches of skin

While these symptoms can appear anywhere on the body, they most commonly appear on the hands, feet, behind the knees, upper chest, face, wrists and ankles. In a few rare cases atopic dermatitis can affect the skin around the eyes. Eczema can start showing itself during childhood and will last will into adulthood. For some people it is a constant annoyance in their lives, while others might experience flare ups separated by periods of remission. Your condition could become worsened if your skin cracks and bacteria and other invasive agents are allowed to enter your skin.

How to treat eczema

If you have received a diagnosis of eczema you should be aware that there is no eczema cure, but there are many effective medications and eczema treatments available by perscription, over the counter, and in the form of home remedies and lifestyle changes.

Eczema medication

These medications come in many different shapes and forms, and treat the disease in one of many different ways. Some medications are topical treatments, some are injected medications and some are taken orally. Some of these medications can be assosiated with adverse side effects, so keep in touch with your doctor if any appear to presist after the first week of treatment. The types of medication typically used for eczema include:

• Corticosteroid ointments or creams
• Antibiotics
• Oral antihistamines
• Immunomodulators
• Injected or oral corticosteroids

Light Therapy

This is an extremely effective type of therapy that utilizes exposure to a combination of natural and artificial light. The idea is that it will remove the excess skin as well as the irritable rashes. There have been some long term side effects associated with light therapies and it is not recommended for individuals with certain conditions before hand. For these reasons it is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor before exploring light therapy.

Cosmetic Surgery |  Medical Spa |  Dermatology |  Contact Us
Copyright © 2013 Thompson Dermatology. Privacy Policy