Eczema Specialist

What is eczema?

Eczema sounds like a single skin condition, but it refers to a group of itchy, inflammatory skin conditions, including:

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, typically begins during an infant’s first six months. As children grow, the condition may gradually disappear, or it could last throughout their adult years. 

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when an allergen or irritant touches your skin. In addition to allergens like poison ivy, many substances can cause this type of eczema, including cosmetics, soaps, jewelry, metals, wool, and fragrances. 

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis may appear in any area where you have oil-producing glands such as your face and chest. However, it most often affects your scalp, causing red skin, scaly patches, and dandruff. This type of dermatitis often occurs in babies, where it's commonly known as cradle cap. 

Dyshidrotic eczema

This type of eczema causes small, very itchy blisters on the edges of your fingers and toes, the palms of your hands, and the bottom of your feet. 

Nummular eczema

Nummular eczema, also called discoid eczema and nummular dermatitis, causes circular patches that usually ooze. This type is often triggered by dry or sensitive skin and skin trauma such as scrapes and insect bites. Nummular eczema may also appear as a symptom of other types of eczema.

What symptoms develop due to eczema?

All types of eczema are known for causing intense itching. You may also experience:

• Red rash
• Inflamed, swollen area
• Sensitive skin
• Dry, cracked skin
• Burning, blistering skin
• Bumps that ooze or bleed and crust over
• Discolored skin (red or brownish-gray patches)

Excessive scratching to ease the itching makes your skin thicken and harden.

How is eczema treated?

Dr. Khalsa creates a customized treatment plan to relieve your current symptoms and prevent future eczema flare-ups. Your plan includes:

Avoiding triggers

All types of eczema flare-up in response to triggers, ranging from allergens and irritants to stress, medications, and cold weather. Dry skin can also cause a flare-up. Dr. Khalsa helps you identify your triggers so you can avoid them and prevent future flare-ups.

Following a skin care regimen

Your daily skin care regimen should include washing with a mild skin cleanser and regularly applying a moisturizer that repairs and protects the natural skin barrier. People with seborrheic dermatitis also need to use a medicated shampoo and moisturizers that help eliminate scaly skin.

Taking medications

Dr. Khalsa may prescribe medications to relieve your symptoms. You may need oral or topical steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, or biologics. If your skin rash causes open sores, you may develop a bacterial infection that Dr. Khalsa treats with antibiotics.

To get relief from eczema, call Premier Allergy Asthma & Immunology, PLLC, or book an appointment online today.