Eczema is a fairly common skin condition that plenty of people deal with day-to-day. There are different types, different triggers, and different treatments that you can use to manage your symptoms. With medical intervention, our patients have been able to manage their eczema short and long-term, minimizing the risk of future flare-ups while mitigating the ones that do occur.
Given that the exact triggers behind eczema aren't fully understood, it's important to find a healthcare provider that can help with your eczema long-term. Working to understand your eczema symptoms is only the first step: to avoid any long-term complications, it's crucial to find care that can cater to your specific circumstances.
Characterized by irritated, inflamed, itchy patches of skin, the diagnosis of eczema is often used interchangeably with the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. Anyone with allergies, asthma or a family history of eczema-like conditions may have an increased risk of developing atopic dermatitis. You cannot catch atopic dermatitis from someone else. Estimates suggest that between 10 to 20 percent of the world's population suffers from atopic dermatitis.
Because of the different types, triggers, and treatments for eczema, it's important to get a medical intervention to prevent your symptoms from getting worse. Left untreated, even a mild eczema flare can easily spread to other parts of your skin, causing widespread skin inflammation and itching that can be difficult to manage on your own.
At Dermatology & Skin Health, we offer world-class services done by award-winning doctors who have proven their knowledge and skills in this field. Start your journey towards achieving your best skin by contacting us today.
While the symptoms of eczema commonly manifest as irritated skin, itchy skin, or scaly skin, each particular symptom can be caused by different triggers and factors.
For cases of severe eczema or for immunocompromised patients, it's possible to experience symptoms of more than one type of eczema at a time.
Treatments for eczema will usually center around making your symptoms more manageable when you get an eczema flare-up. However, long-term treatments may also help minimize your triggers and prevent any future flare-ups from getting worse.
Designed to relieve any itching, especially the kind that comes from the more aggressive type of eczema, topical corticosteroids are quite an effective treatment. Mild eczema usually responds very well to this type of treatment, though more severe eczema can also use this method on the prescription of a medical professional.
Keep in mind that using a topical steroid can have side effects with prolonged use since steroid cream and topical steroids can affect the treated area and the surrounding skin. Some side effects may include irritated skin and mild to moderate skin discoloration over time.
Blocking the reaction your skin has to an allergy, antihistamines can help stop the itchy skin from eczema. Because these are often sold as over-the-counter medications, they're a quick and easy way for you to manage any eczema symptoms you're experiencing on your own.
However, it's also important to consult your doctor after you take these medications to ensure that your eczema isn't getting worse. These medications can also have side effects like drowsiness, so take that into consideration before you start using them as regular treatments.
Immunosuppressants are another effective option for managing frequent eczema flare-ups since some part of your skin's allergic response is controlled by your immune system. By slowing down your overactive immune response, you're less likely to experience severe flare-ups of eczema.
If your eczema symptoms have gotten worse, your doctor or dermatologist can also prescribe antibiotics to help treat or stave off skin infections. Since it's easier for foreign bodies to enter your skin when you have an eczema flare-up, it's crucial to avoid getting infections that can turn into severe complications.
While the effects of chronic stress on the body aren't fully understood, most medical experts agree that stress management is crucial to keeping your body healthy. If your eczema symptoms flare up when you're stressed, this type of therapy may work for you.
Stress management can take any number of forms, but one common way to go about this is through lifestyle management. Even self-care routines like wet wrap therapy or simply soaking in the bath can help mitigate the symptoms of eczema.
Phototherapy has rapidly become the favorite option for many eczema patients looking for non-invasive treatment options. Using ultraviolet light, phototherapy targets the skin cells that flare up with an overactive immune response, slowing their production and reducing inflammation.
There are different types of phototherapy that you can get to treat eczema, as well as other similar skin conditions. Consult your doctor or dermatologist to learn which one works best for your particular condition.
At Dermatology & Skin Health, our excellent dermatology services are guaranteed to be safe and effective, performed by the top doctors in their respective fields. Treat your skin problems by contacting us today.
While the triggers for eczema are somewhat predictable given enough time and observation of a patient, the risk factors for developing the condition need more study. So far, the most reliable results show two major factors affecting how likely you'll develop this condition: pre-existing conditions and genetics.
Patients who have a history of asthma, hay fever, and similar conditions have a higher risk of developing eczema, especially if they experience them before they turn 30. If you have a family member who has eczema, it's best to get a screening to see if you're also at risk of developing it in the future.
Eczema may manifest itself as a skin condition, but there are plenty of complications that can occur if it's left untreated.
Dermatology and Skin Health have a long history of helping our clients through short-term and long-term concerns like eczema and other skin infections. As a practice strongly rooted in our community, we hold ourselves to a standard as healthcare providers that our patients can trust.
At Dermatology & Skin Health, we offer world-class services done by award-winning doctors who have proven their knowledge and skills in this field. Start your journey towards achieving your best skin by contacting us today.
A: If you have a case of mild eczema that responds well to topical treatments or medication, you can manage your symptoms on your own at the advice of your doctor or dermatologist. However, we highly recommend going for regular checkups to get an idea of how your condition is progressing.
A: Before any treatment option can be considered with your eczema, it's important to have a thorough consultation with your medical provider. This way, you make sure of your diagnosis and get personalized care as quickly as possible. At DSH, we always make sure to be thorough in our recommendations.
A: Medical treatment for eczema usually results in symptoms and flare-ups drastically diminishing over time. Consistent treatment may be able to get rid of most symptoms altogether or downgrade your eczema to the point where you can manage it on your own. Understanding your triggers is key to the best results.
A: Eczema isn't strictly speaking a chronic condition - it's just far more likely to happen if you don't avoid the triggers to your symptoms. By working closely with your dermatologist, you'll be able to live your life with reasonable comfort from your condition, with medical support if any becomes necessary.
A: Medicare can cover the costs of your dermatologist's consultations, but you're far more likely to get reimbursed if you're on a private insurance plan. Even then, you'll need to present the right paperwork to qualify for reimbursement. Ask your provider for any details about how their fees may be covered by your insurance.
If you have any questions about eczema treatment, skin infections, or other concerns about skincare, schedule a consultation with us today. We have a variety of treatments and services that can help you look and feel like yourself again. To get started, schedule your consultation online, or give us a call at (603) 742-5556 (Dover & Newington), (978) 525-0100 (Peabody), (603) 965-3551 (Londonderry), (603) 742-5556 (Bedford).
If your desired appointment type or preferred provider is unavailable online, kindly call (978) 525-0100 for Peabody, MA and (603) 742-5556 for all New Hampshire locations. Alternatively please feel free to send us your request via the patient portal, or via email at info@dermskinhealth.com
*For medical dermatology appointments in MA please dial (978) 525-0100 or fill out the appointment request form above.
