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Learn About Eczema
If you’re one of the 31.6 million people in the United States that have recurrent eczema flare-ups, you can find help at Dermatology and Aesthetics Center of Utah. At offices in Centerville and West Jordan, Utah, Amy Curtis, MD, FAAD, Leena Brown, MPT, PA-C, and the team offer comprehensive care to relieve eczema symptoms. They use prescription topicals and in-office light therapy to relieve dry, itchy skin rashes and prevent additional eczema flare-ups. Call the Dermatology and Aesthetics Center of Utah office nearest you or request an appointment online today.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, itchy skin and rashes that develop most often in the creases of the skin, such as behind the knees, in the bend of the elbows, and on the face. While eczema isn’t contagious, scratching your skin can cause the rash to worsen.
The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The rashes and itchy skin develop when you make contact with an allergen.
Eczema often starts in infancy and continues through childhood and adulthood. However, you can also develop eczema at any age.
What are the symptoms of eczema?
You can experience flare-ups of eczema rashes that cause symptoms like:
- Dryness
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Irritation
- Inflammation
Eczema symptoms can go into remission, a time when you have no signs of skin rashes or other symptoms. Remission can last for weeks, months, or years before you have another flare-up.
If you’re unable to treat eczema on your own with over-the-counter lotions and creams, schedule a skin evaluation with the team at Dermatology and Aesthetics Center of Utah. They can confirm your diagnosis and customize a treatment plan to reduce the frequency and severity of eczema flare-ups.
How is eczema treated?
There are topical corticosteroid medications that you can apply over skin rashes to relieve itching and inflammation. You should also use a hydrating lotion to keep your skin moisturized.
In some cases, an oral antihistamine can relieve itchy skin.
Dermatology and Aesthetics Center of Utah also offers in-office light therapy if topical medications aren’t working well for you.
Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, exposes your skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight or different wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light. This exposure can reduce the severity of your existing eczema symptoms and prevent additional flare-ups.
You should also avoid substances that can irritate your skin, such as scented soaps, laundry detergents, and lotions. There are a number of moisturizing and cleansing products that have the approval of the National Eczema Association to treat skin prone to eczema flare-ups.
If you need help managing symptoms of eczema, call the Dermatology and Aesthetics Center of Utah office nearest you or request a consultation online today.