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Are you suffering from an itchy, red rash? Do you notice that washing your hands throughout the day causes your skin to feel dry and rough? If so, you may be one of the millions of Americans who suffer from eczema.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes dry and itchy patches of skin. When skin is affected by eczema, the skin barrier is not as effective and bacteria or irritants can more easily pass through the skin. Different types of eczema have different causes and treatments. The following guide will provide more information about different symptoms, types and treatments to help navigate the condition of eczema.
Symptoms of Eczema
Although eczema can affect anyone at any age, it is most common in young children. The first signs of eczema are itchiness, dry skin and a rash.
Eczema symptoms vary from person to person, and each type of eczema has its own symptoms, causes, and triggers. For example, stasis dermatitis is a type of eczema linked to blood flow problems and tends to appear in the lower legs and around the ankles.
Some symptoms you may experience include:
Dry, sensitive skin
Red skin rash
Itchy skin
Rough patches of skin
Flakey, scaly or crusty skin
Areas of swelling
Types of Eczema
Various types of eczema can affect both infants and adults. Understanding the different types can help you to understand your body and identify the cause of your condition. Here is a list of the common types of eczema:
Atopic Dermatitis—This type of eczema typically affects allergy sufferers. Atopic dermatitis is common in babies, older children, and adults and usually occurs inside the skin creases of the elbow, knee, eyelids, ankles, wrists and hands.
Contact Dermatitis - This type of eczema is caused by contact with a substance. Many substances can cause skin irritation, including cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, metal jewelry and industrial chemicals. Skin irritation is one of the more uncommon symptoms of an allergy, and it may take time to determine what is causing it.
Dyshidrotic Eczema—Dyshidrotic eczema causes itching on the palms, sides of the fingers or soles of the feet, and tiny fluid-filled blisters appear in these areas.
Nummular Eczema—This type of eczema is typically found in adults and can be identified by the small patches of irritated skin on the legs, chest, and arms.
Seborrheic Dermatitis—This type of eczema occurs on the scalp in infants. In adults, seborrheic dermatitis will appear like dandruff, but it can also occur on the face, neck, scalp, and around the nose.
Asteatoic Eczema—This eczema is common as people age. Asteatoic eczema causes dry skin and cracks, usually starting in the lower legs. It occurs during the winter when people spend a lot of time indoors.
Hand Eczema—Exposure to detergents, excessive washing, or an allergy can lead to hand eczema, which occurs only on the hands, hence its exclusive name.
How to be Diagnosed?
An allergist can diagnose eczema based on a skin exam, health history, and symptom information. In some cases, a skin biopsy - a minor procedure that involves removing a small piece of skin for lab testing - is needed to confirm the diagnosis. At Topeka ENT, our providers can determine the actual cause of your allergies and help you choose a targeted eczema treatment that works for your unique condition and symptoms.
Management and Treatment
There is no cure for eczema, but many treatments are available. Eczema affects each person diagnosed with the condition differently, and what causes your symptoms to flare up is unique to you. Understanding common triggers can help you change your lifestyle to manage and avoid eczema flare-ups.
Common triggers that cause eczema include:
Dry weather
Fabrics or clothing materials, such as wool or synthetic materials
Makeup or skin care products
Smoke and pollutants
Soaps and detergents
Stress
Contact with something you are allergic to
Once your type of eczema is determined, your provider at Topeka ENT can prescribe the proper treatment. The most common treatments include:
Over-the-counter remedies
Phototherapy
Prescription topical ointments
Immunosuppressants
A visit to a doctor after suffering from symptoms of eczema, such as red, itchy, cracked, or dry skin, can help you find the appropriate treatment. With the top allergists in Topeka and across Kansas, Topeka Ear Nose & Throat can determine the best treatment for your specific eczema type. Make an appointment today for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan to begin experiencing relief from the symptoms and discomfort of eczema.