Eczema is a skin condition that causes rough, red patches to appear on the skin. When a flare-up occurs these blisters can form anywhere on the body and may even itch or bleed. It can be a frustrating and vicious cycle and of course, there are certain conditions and factors that can cause symptoms to flare up. Know the signs of eczema and when to turn to our Tribeca, NY, dermatologists Dr. Gilberto Alvarez and Dr. Shari Marchbein for an evaluation.
What are the signs and symptoms of eczema?
If you have eczema you will notice rough, inflamed patches of skin that are often scaly or leathery. These patches may also crust over or ooze. It’s important that you don’t scratch these patches, as this can lead to a serious skin infection. These patches will often flare up and then go away.
What causes this condition?
While we are still trying to figure out what might cause eczema, we do know that there are certain things that can trigger a flare-up. It’s important to recognize your triggers so you can avoid them as much as possible. Some common eczema triggers include:
- Fragrances
- Detergents, soap, and cleaning products
- Stress
- Hot or cold weather
- Cigarette smoke
- Sun exposure
- Allergies
- Certain foods (e.g. gluten; sugar; dairy)
How is eczema treated?
A simple skin examination with our Tribeca, NY, dermatologists is all you need for a proper eczema diagnosis. Once we have a diagnosis, our team at Downtown Dermatology can create your treatment plan to get flare-ups under control.
The type of eczema, the severity of the condition, and your medical history are all taken into account before a treatment plan is created. Medications and treatments will be recommended to control the itching, reduce inflammation, remove skin lesions and prevent infection.
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointments may be recommended. However, prescription steroid creams may be prescribed for more severe cases. Also, oral antihistamines such as Benadryl may help relieve itching. If these treatments don’t lessen eczema symptoms, corticosteroids might be prescribed. Those with more severe cases may also benefit from other treatment options such as UV light therapy.
There are simple steps one can take at home to combat eczema symptoms, such as switching laundry detergents or avoiding lotions with fragrances. Talk with our dermatologists to figure out simple steps you can take to prevent eczema symptoms from flaring up. Through simple lifestyle changes and professional treatment, we can help you take control of your eczema.
If you think you might be dealing with eczema, or if you need to talk with a skincare professional to discuss better treatment options to get your flare-ups under control, then turn to our Tribeca, NY, dermatologists, Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Marchbein at Downtown Dermatology. Call us at (212) 233-2995 to schedule a consultation.
