Understanding Eczema

Dr. Gilberto Alvarez del Manzano is well-known for his experience in pediatrics. Dr. Alvarez del Manzano’s mission is to create a welcoming and secure atmosphere for our youngest patients.

We provide remedy for the following more common conditions related to eczema.

ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, is a long-term skin condition characterised by itchy, dry skin and frequently ends up in a red rash. More prone to affecting those people who have a family history of allergies and asthma, it is more common in teenagers and babies, though the exact cause is undetermined.

Although incurable, atopic dermatitis can be managed and treated by simply avoiding harsh soaps, minimizing scratching, and the use of moisturizing lotions. Our expert dermatologists will carefully prescribe you medication that will help treat atopic dermatitis along with an appropriate skin care regime that will aid in minimizing your skin condition.

It is extremely important to treat atopic dermatitis in order to prevent secondary skin infections and to relieve signs of discomfort that may become evident after scratching.

BIRTHMARKS

Eczema Tribeca, NY

Birthmarks may occur at birth or shortly after birth. Colored birthmarks vary in size and appearance, ranging from tiny tan “cafe au lait” spots to darker, hairy, brown-colored patches.

It is vital to monitor these pigmented birthmarks as some may have the potential to develop into skin cancer, however, most of them prove to be harmless.
Birthmarks that are comprised of blood vessels can have a purple, pink or red appearance.
Physically, they can be elevated as a soft reddish nodule or even be flat against the skin. The most common type of vascular birthmarks are infantile hemangiomas. Their growth rate is the fastest during the first six months of a baby’s life and are visible either at birth or right after birth.
Because they grow very rapidly, these birthmarks should be observed very closely. Infantile hemangiomas can press against structures lying beneath them and/or even start bleeding during their stage of rapid growth. Our doctors can provide you with relevant options for therapy subject to the severity, location, size, and type of birthmark.

ECZEMA

Eczema is a category of inflamed skin conditions characterized by chronic, itchy rashes that worsen over time. Different types of eczema include:

  • atopic dermatitis
  • contact dermatitis
  • dyshidrotic eczema
  • nummular eczema

Eczema is a condition that mostly runs in the family and is more common in children. It is common for children with eczema to develop hay fever or asthma as well. Especially during the winter months, eczema affects infants, presenting itself as dry scaly patches on the scalp and the cheeks, often accompanied with discharge and crusting.

On the other hand, in adults and older children, it appears to be found mostly on the inside of elbows and knees, on the neck, hands and feet. The great news is that often children and infants outgrow their eczema as they step into adulthood.

There are chances that eczema may worsen or flare up periodically. The things that agitate eczema include contact with rough materials or perfumes, illnesses, dry skin, allergies, and stress. The major step towards the management of eczema is primary skin care at home. Treatment for eczema incorporates anti-inflammatory medication to relieve symptoms and minimize itching.

RASHES

Eczema Tribeca, NY

Rashes are a common condition in children. They can be itchy at times. When children are exposed to various foods, medications, infections or vaccines, their skin may display changes in color or texture. When children are affected by atopic eczema, they will show signs of rashes that are scaly and itchy.

Although most rashes disappear on their own, it is important to get them evaluated by a dermatologist when they become persistent and begin causing extreme itching and discomfort. If the rashes are causing vesicles and damp skin, they must be immediately checked for signs of a skin infection.

MOLLUSCUM

Molluscum contagiosum is a condition initiated by a skin virus and emerges as pain-free white colored bumps on the skin. A common condition in children, these bumps can emerge on any part of the body, however, most usually are found on the torso and limbs.

Skin to skin contact spreads molluscum and it may be aggravated due to scratching. Some children show signs of many bumps all over the body, and others may have just a few lesions.

The expected duration that molluscum lasts for any patient can range from 6 months to 2 years. Treatment is possible when the lesions begin spreading or become itchy. Our doctors will advise what treatment options are available, including medications that can be applied topically and procedures that remove the molluscum all together.

WARTS

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is known to cause skin growths known as warts. Although there are many breeds of HPV, the ones that cause genital warts differ greatly from the ones that cause common warts (the ones usually found on the hands and feet).

While some warts go away by themselves, others need treatment to be cured. Different types of warts respond differently to various treatments.

Warts can be unsightly and cause discomfort and throbbing pain, which is why they need to be treated timely using relevant treatments. A good place to begin is self-treatment with over-the-counter products that contain salicylic acid as an ingredient.

Further options to get rid of these warts include acids, liquid nitrogen, and electrodessication. More painful warts that are larger and do not respond to these treatments may be removed with surgery, as recommended by the physician.

Are you seeking eczema treatment?

Call Downtown Dermatology at 212-233-2995 to make an appointment!