Eczema Specialist

What is eczema?

Eczema is a chronic condition characterized by itchy, red, and irritated skin. It’s especially common in infants and children but can occur at any age. 

There’s no cure for eczema, but a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, activity modification, and prescription medication can relieve uncomfortable symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Symptoms of eczema include:

• Dry skin
• Itching
• Red, brown, or gray patches on the chest, hands, or feet
• Small raised bumps
• Thick, cracked, or scaly skin

If you have eczema, you might also experience skin that’s raw or extra sensitive due to persistent scratching.

When should I see a skin specialist about eczema?

Make an appointment with the team at Cumberland Dermatology if you regularly experience red or itchy skin and it affects your ability to sleep or work. That’s especially true if your symptoms persist, even after trying at-home treatments like over-the-counter ointments and topical solutions.

What causes eczema?

Eczema occurs due to a genetic abnormality that affects your skin. Healthy skin retains moisture and protects you from harmful environmental factors like allergens and pollution. If you have eczema, your skin isn’t able to provide that same protection. As a result, you’re more likely to experience itchy or red skin when you’re exposed to certain factors.

How is eczema diagnosed?

Your Cumberland Dermatology provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms to diagnose eczema. They may ask when the symptoms started, where they’re most noticeable, and if certain activities like going outside make them worse. Next, your provider examines your skin. . 

Eczema is relatively easy to diagnose, but if your provider suspects another condition that presents similar symptoms, like allergies, they might order patch testing as well. Patch testing exposes your skin to several allergens. If you develop a welt in response to a particular allergen, it means you’re allergic to that specific substance.

How is eczema treated?

At Cumberland Dermatology, the team offers several types of treatment to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms associated with eczema. Depending on your needs, they might recommend:

• Ointments that control itching and help repair your skin
• Medications that fight infection
• Oral drugs that reduce inflammation
• Injectable biologics
• Wet dressings
• Light therapy
• Relaxation and behavior modification

Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to ease symptoms like itchy or flaky skin and reduce the frequency of flare-ups. 

To learn more about the different treatment options for eczema, make an appointment at Cumberland Dermatology by calling the nearest office or booking online today.