Eczema

Eczema isn’t contagious, and there’s no cure, but it affects nearly 32% of people in the United States. The team at Kessel Dermatology in Hamilton Square, Mercer and Trenton County area, New Jersey, understands that eczema symptoms are intolerable at times. Some people outgrow this itchy, painful skin condition, while others have it throughout their adult life. Get expert treatment customized for your specific type of eczema by calling Kessel Dermatology or requesting an appointment online today. 

What is eczema?

Eczema is a group of skin conditions that cause red, inflamed, itchy skin. Each different type of eczema causes itching and redness, and you may have more than one type of eczema at the same time. This group of skin conditions is not contagious, but it’s often triggered by environmental factors that cause flare-ups. 

A common form of eczema is called atopic dermatitis. Sometimes people use this name as a way to describe other types of eczema, as well. Atopic dermatitis is chronic and inflammatory and usually begins during childhood. Contact dermatitis is another common form of eczema that occurs when your skin comes in contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Eczema symptoms are different for everyone, but itchy skin is the common symptom of all types of eczema. Eczema symptoms may appear suddenly as a rash that causes:

• Dry, itchy, sensitive skin
• Scaly patches of thick, rough skin
• Dark or leathery patches of skin
• Redness on the cheeks, arms, or legs (common with infants)
• Open, crusted sores or bumps that ooze fluid
• Swollen patches of skin
• Areas of burning, stinging skin

Contact dermatitis symptoms usually appear on your hands, feet, or wherever your body comes in contact with an irritant or allergen. Most of the time, you get contact dermatitis from:

• Soaps, lotions, and skin care products
• Fabric detergents or bleach
• Chemicals and paints
• Tobacco smoke

When you’re unable to manage symptoms on your own, or the constant itching becomes disruptive to your daily life, your Kessel Dermatology provider can help you get symptoms under control. 

How does a dermatologist treat eczema?

First, your provider examines your skin to determine the type of eczema you have so they can offer the most effective treatment options. They may recommend specific changes to your skin care regimen or lifestyle so you can get long-term relief. Knowing what triggers your flare-ups and avoiding those things can help minimize the intense itching and discomfort of eczema.

There is no cure for eczema, so treatment focuses on managing your symptoms and minimizing flare-ups. Eczema is connected to your immune system, so treatment sometimes includes medications like:

• Antibiotics
• Antiviral medications
• Antifungal medications
• Topical creams and ointments
• Oral antihistamines

For severe cases that don’t respond well to medications or other treatments, your Kessel Dermatology provider may recommend photodynamic therapy or ultraviolet light therapy. 

Take the first step in getting your eczema under control by calling Kessel Dermatology to schedule an appointment or request one online today.