Eczema is characterized by red, scaly, itchy patches of skin caused by inflammation. The skin barrier, or outermost layer of skin, is typically impaired, which leads to further irritation and discomfort.
Symptoms of eczema commonly develop on the hands, feet, face, insides of elbows and knees, and behind the ears. The most common symptoms include:
- Itchy and dry skin
- Red skin
- Cracked skin
- Flaking skin
- Burning patches of skin
There are three main categories of eczema:
- Hereditary - Atopic dermatitis is an inherited and common form of eczema that often starts in early infancy but can appear at any time of life. It might be associated with other medical conditions, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and acute allergic reactions.
- Allergic - Allergic contact dermatitis results when the skin comes in contact with a chemical or substance to which your skin becomes allergic. The allergy can develop within days to weeks after initial exposure, such as with poison ivy, or after years of chronic low-grade exposure (ex. nickel in your earrings or belt buckle makes you break out on your ears and lower stomach). Patch testing can identify the substances causing this reaction. If the cause is not identified and the patient continues to come in contact with the material, the patient can develop severe chronic or recurrent bouts of eczema.
- Irritant - Irritant reactions result from chemical damage or from activities that impair the skin’s barrier. Corrosive agents found in soaps, cleansers, and solvents can destroy skin cells leading to inflammation, redness, and scaling. Other potential irritants include dry air, changes in temperature, frequent hand washing, metalworking fluids, microtrauma, fiberglass, mechanical trauma, rubber gloves, sodium lauryl sulfate, hydrofluoric acid, and alkalis.
Other specific forms of eczema include stasis dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, cradle cap, diaper dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, papular dermatitis, and asteatotic eczema.
Treatment of eczema begins with a gentle skin care regimen of mild soaps and thick emollients multiple times a day. Avoiding irritating clothing, chemicals, or products, like perfumes, is importing to restoring the skin. Take warm, not hot showers, use mild laundry detergents, and keep a humidifier in the bedroom to help hydrate your skin.
Depending on the severity of the disease, prescription topical, oral, or biologic medications may be neccessary, such as:
- Topical corticosteroids
- Topical immune modulators, like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus
- PDE4 inhibitors
- Topical and oral antibiotics
- Biologic injections
Your dermatologist might also recommend light therapy, or phototherapy, which uses ultraviolet light that is machine manufactured in a controlled environment. Light therapy for eczema can offer relief from itching, reduce inflammation, help heal the skin’s barrier, and increase the body’s natural vitamin D levels.
Get personalized treatment from one of our board-certified dermatologists at one of our convenient locations across Texas (Houston, Pflugerville, Austin, Bee Cave, Dripping Springs) or Louisiana (Metairie, Old Metairie, Uptown New Orleans, Baton Rouge).
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