Eczema is a very common skin condition. Skin with eczema doesn’t reproduce necessary substances as much as healthy skin, which compromises the protective barrier. Eczema causes moisture loss in skin, which can lead to a variety of other problems. There are multiple types of eczema, but they generally have very similar symptoms.
Eczema Symptoms
Eczema is almost always accompanied by itchiness. It typically consists of dry, scaly, and red patches of skin. Eczema results in moisture loss that leads to dry skin, which makes it more susceptible to negative reactions from allergens and irritants. More severe cases of eczema may display weeping or oozing of pus.
Treatments
Eczema is more common in children, though it can occur in adults too. In many cases, adults grow out of their childhood eczema, but it may still resurface in some. It is often a genetic condition and is not contagious. Determining what allergens and irritants cause a reaction in your skin can help you avoid them from occurring. Keeping your skin moisturized can also help prevent negative reactions from eczema.
Your dermatologist may prescribe topical creams for chronic eczema. They may also use antibiotics to help prevent infection, especially in more severe cases of eczema. Even though eczema is itchy, it is important to refrain from scratching. Scratching can break open the skin and lead to infections, further aggravating the problem.
Eczema is not a comfortable condition to have. Not only is it itchy, but it can be embarrassing if it occurs on prevalent patches of skin. The good news is that there are ways to help treat eczema, reducing the amount of time you have to live with it. Consulting with a dermatologist can help you treat existing symptoms or prevent future rashes from occurring. If you have concerns about your eczema, contact us at Allen-Taintor Dermatology today!