Eczema Specialist

What are the symptoms of eczema?

The primary symptom of eczema is overly dry skin that becomes extremely itchy. Eczema is known for causing long-lasting flare-ups that can last for weeks or months on end. During an eczema flare-up, you may experience any of the following symptoms:

• Hay fever symptoms, including sneezing and a runny nose
• Itching that’s worse at night
• Red to brown-gray patches
• Thickened or cracked skin
• Raw and sensitive skin
• Small raised bumps
• Asthma attacks
  
  

Eczema symptoms can develop anywhere on your body, especially on your neck, upper chest, feet, and hands. In infants, eczema tends to affect the face and scalp.

Why do I have eczema?

Your skin is supposed to retain moisture so that it can protect itself from outside invaders, including bacteria and allergy irritants. With eczema though, you have a gene variation that minimizes your skin’s ability to protect itself by staying moist.

Eczema is believed to be hereditary and affects all races, genders, and ages. But medical experts do find that environmental or lifestyle factors can contribute to eczema flare-ups. It’s possible for eczema issues to stem from:

• Food allergies
• Overly sensitive skin
• Air pollution and smoke
• Environmental allergies, including pollen
  
  

No matter what’s causing your eczema or how minor or infrequent your flare-ups may seem, you have plenty of options for eczema relief at Seacoast Dermatology.

Which eczema treatment works best?

Eczema isn’t a curable condition, although with the help of the experienced dermatology providers at Seacoast Dermatology, you can learn to manage this chronic condition and lessen the severity and frequency of flare-ups. Some of the best and most effective eczema treatment options include:

• Prescription-strength antihistamines
• Oral or topical corticosteroids
• Specialized moisturizers
• Antibiotic medications
• Antifungal creams
• Wet dressings
• Light therapy
  
  

Your dedicated dermatologist at Seacoast Dermatology, also counsels you on lifestyle changes you can make — like avoiding extreme temperatures and wind — to prevent eczema flare-ups and lessen their severity.   

Before struggling with eczema another day, see how the team at Seacoast Dermatology, can help. Book your eczema evaluation either online or over the phone with your nearest office.