What skin condition plagues more than 30 million Americans? The National Eczema Foundation says it is eczema, an inflammatory, autoimmune skin condition. At Downtown Dermatology in Tribeca, NY, your Tribeca Dermatologist, Dr. Gilberto Alvarez Del Manzano, and Dr. Shari Marchbein helps people of all ages who struggle with this troublesome skin problem, and he can help you.
What are the symptoms of eczema?
There are many. Experienced singly, none of the symptoms are a big deal. Collectively, however, they bother children, teens, and adults tremendously, and frankly, they can be embarrassing.
Symptoms of eczema include:
- Red, rough, itchy patches on the face, chest, hands, elbows, and backs of the knees
- Oozing, weeping, and scaling
- Intense itching, especially at night
- Inflammation and swelling of affected areas
- Gradually increasing leathery texture and pigment changes
Are there different kinds of eczema?
There are a few kinds of eczema. The most common kind your Tribeca Dermatologist sees at Downtown Dermatology in Tribeca, NY, is atopic dermatitis which impacts the very top layer of the skin, the epidermis. Characterized by periodic flare-ups and remissions, atopic dermatitis is extremely itchy, seems to have a hereditary component, and may occur in response to an allergen, stress, and substances touched, ingested, or inhaled.
What are the treatments?
Some people benefit from evaluation by an allergist to identify triggers for their eczema. For them, and others, eczema can be managed with:
- Cool compresses to affected areas and showering with cooler water
- Stress reduction
- Moisturizers to reduce dryness and itching (apply frequently and particularly at bedtime)
- Steroidal creams applied topically for inflammation
- Staying cool in warm weather
- Wearing loosely fitting, cotton clothing
- Drying your skin gently with a soft towel after a cool shower
- Antihistamine medications
- Avoiding scratching the lesions as much as possible to avoid infection and scarring
- Photo-therapy with UV light
- Using sensitive skin hand soaps, dish soap, and laundry detergents
Find out more
Feel better and look better when you get control of your eczema. At Downtown Dermatology in Tribeca NY, your Tribeca dermatologist will formulate a care plan to guide your daily management of this common skin problem. Call Dr. Gilberto Alvarez Del Manzano and Dr. Shari Marchbein for consultation at (212) 233-2995.
