Eczema

What is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis, is a condition that causes the skin to become red and itchy. It is a chronic condition that flares periodically and then clears up for a period of time. This condition is common in infants and children but can occur at any age. It is not an autoimmune disease, nor is eczema contagious.

There are different types of eczema, such as allergic contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and more. Each may exhibit different characteristics, but are often categorized together under the term eczema. Atopic eczema is the most common. According to the National Eczema Association, eczema affects up to 20% of children and adults around the world.

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema is related to a gene variation that affects your skin’s ability to retain moisture and provide protection from bacteria, allergens, and irritants. It is also thought to be related to immune system function. Individuals with a family history of eczema, hay fever, asthma, or allergic reaction are at a higher risk for this condition. Eczema triggers often include food allergies, exposure to irritants in soaps or cleaners, stress and anxiety, or environmental factors such as weather changes.

Symptoms of Eczema

Common eczema symptoms include:

• Dry, itchy patches of skin
• Red, purple, or pink patches of skin (in light skin tone)
• Gray, brown, or purple patches of skin (in brown or black skin)
• Small, raised bumps that, when scratched, may leak fluid and crust over
• Thick, cracked, scaly skin
• Raw, swollen, sensitive skin due to scratching

Individuals with eczema that causes itching, discomfort, pain, very dry skin, or self-consciousness can benefit from eczema treatment. An assessment is needed by one of our dermatologists to diagnose and treat eczema. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Diagnosing Eczema

Eczema comes in different types and diagnosis is often best performed by a board-certified dermatologist. Your dermatologist will carefully examine your skin and ask questions about your symptoms and circumstances. With an eczema diagnosis, you can begin to find your specific triggers and learn more about treatment options.

Eczema Treatments

There is currently no cure for eczema, but there are many treatments available to help prevent eczema rash symptoms and new outbreaks. Treatment options include:

Recommended Product

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

Helps restore and maintain a normal moisture level. Soothes red, irritated, cracking, or itchy skin. The ideal moisturizing formula for dry skin associated with atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, ichthyosis, and winter itch.

What to Expect During Eczema Treatment?

There is currently no cure for eczema, but there are many treatments available to help prevent symptoms and new outbreaks. Treatment options include:

Medications

• Creams to control itching and inflammation: Corticosteroid creams or ointments may be prescribed. For severe eczema, wrapping the affected area with topical corticosteroids and wet bandages can be effective in improving symptoms. Other creams containing calcineurin inhibitors or phosphodiesterase inhibitors target the immune system to control the skin reaction. Be sure to follow your dermatologist’s instructions on how to properly use these medications.
• Medications to fight skin infections: Antibiotic creams may be prescribed if your skin has open sores, cracks, or bacterial infections. Oral antibiotics may also be recommended.
• Oral drugs to control inflammation: For severe eczema, oral corticosteroids such as prednisone may be prescribed. These drugs are very effective, but cannot be taken long-term due to potentially serious side effects. Other oral therapies our group utilizes include cyclosporine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, and azathioprine.
• Biologic therapy: The FDA has approved dupilumab (Dupixent) as an injectable biologic for uncontrolled moderate-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). It is used for those 6 months of age and older who do not respond well to other standard treatments. Another injectable biologic option for adult patients is tralokinumab (Adbry).
• JAK inhibitors: Opzelura cream (ruxolitinib), Rinvoq (upadacitinib), and Cibinqo (abrocitinib) are used to treat more advanced cases of atopic dermatitis.

In-Office Therapy

• Phototherapy: This light therapy involves exposing the skin to controlled and specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light.  Our office primarily utilizes advanced narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy to treat our eczema patients. We have been South Jersey’s leader in phototherapy treatments for over 30 years.

Lifestyle Changes

• Identifying triggers: Identifying specific triggers can help prevent eczema flare ups. For example, common triggers such as certain foods, harsh soaps, or weather patterns may make eczema patients more likely to experience symptoms. Avoiding these can help manage symptoms.

Eczema FAQs

What to Expect During Eczema Treatment

You will have a thorough discussion with our dermatologists about your health history and past experiences with eczema symptoms. You will discuss any possible triggers and discuss steps to avoid them or manage flare-ups. Your dermatologist will discuss medication and possible treatments, putting together a personalized treatment plan.

What to Expect After Eczema Treatment

Following eczema treatment, patients will notice an improvement in their eczema symptoms and the appearance of the skin. Your dermatologist will instruct you on how to properly go about your treatment for the best possible results. Do not hesitate to contact our office regarding post-treatment questions.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about eczema treatments at HMGS Dermatology, contact our office today to schedule a consultation appointment. Our team will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.