Eczema

What is Eczema?

The term eczema describes a group of conditions that cause dry, inflamed, itchy skin. There are seven types of eczema, and it's possible to develop more than one across a lifetime. Here's a closer look at some of them. 

Contact Dermatitis

This occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant and has an immediate reaction.

Atopic Dermatitis

People with atopic dermatitis have a malfunctioning immune system and a weaker skin barrier that causes the skin to dry out.

Stasis Dermatitis

Poor circulation causes veins in the leg to swell, leading to itchy, red skin.

Discoid or nummular eczema

Discoid eczema occurs in senior adults, causing them to develop round lesions that weep fluid.

Neurodermatitis

Often caused by other eczemas, people with neurodermatitis develop thick, scaly patches on the skin through scratching and rubbing.

Dr. Hajee has training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of eczema. Schedule a consultation with her today to discuss your symptoms.

What Causes Eczema?

There’s no definitive reason why someone gets eczema, but health professionals have explored the idea of it being a combination of genes and a trigger. Most people with eczema have an immune system disorder that causes their skin to “overreact” when it encounters a trigger. They also lack the protein necessary to build a strong skin barrier and often have infection-prone skin. Triggers include dry skin, stress, and irritants.

Understanding what causes your eczema is the first step to treating it effectively. Make an appointment with Dr. Hajee to learn more about your condition.

How do you treat eczema? 

There are two ways to tackle eczema: medication and home care.

Medication Options Include:

• Topical creams, including corticosteroid creams and calcineurin inhibitors.
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Barrier-repair moisturizers
• Systemic corticosteroids
• Antiviral medication

Home care treatments include:

• Using a humidifier
• Taking lukewarm baths
• Using a mild soap cleanser
• Moisturizing every day and immediately after bathing
• Air-drying or patting skin dry with a towel
• Avoiding rapid changes in temperature
• Avoiding sweaty activities 
• Avoiding eczema triggers
• Wearing loose-fitting cotton and soft fabrics
   

With proper treatment and care, you can control eczema and not allow it to prevent you from doing things you love. Dr. Hajee treats eczema from the inside out and explores alternative therapies alongside conventional medicine such as Dupixent to deliver you a tailored treatment plan. Call the practice, or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment today.