Eczema is a group of skin conditions that cause skin to become red, irritated, itchy, and sometimes develop small, fluid-filled bumps that become moist and ooze.
There are many forms of eczema, but atopic eczema is one of the most common and severe. Doctors don’t know exactly what causes atopic eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, but they think it could be a difference in the way a person’s immune system reacts to things. Skin allergies may also be involved in some forms of eczema.
If you have eczema, you are probably not the only person you know who has it. Eczema isn’t contagious like a cold, but most people with eczema have family members with the condition. Researchers think it’s inherited or passed through the genes.
People with eczema may also have asthma and certain allergies, such as hay fever. For some, food allergies (such as allergies to cow’s milk, soy, eggs, fish, or wheat) may bring on, or worsen eczema. Allergies to animal dander, dust, and other things in the environment can also trigger the condition in some people.
Treatments for Eczema
1. You will probably need a doctor’s help to treat your scarring properly. Your best bet is to make an appointment with a dermatologist. He or she may be able to give you a prescription cream or ointment you can rub on your skin to help minimize scarring.
2. If the scarring is severe, the dermatologist may suggest some other options (such as dermabrasion or laser resurfacing) after examining your eczema. Dermatologists don’t recommend these options for everyone. It all depends on your eczema and the type of scarring.
3. Scars often fade in time. Some never go away completely, though. If scars don’t fade after a while, some people choose to see a plastic surgeon.
4. When you talk to your dermatologist about scar treatment, ask about creams to control the itching. Not scratching in the first place will reduce your chances of further scarring, and there may be a new cream or treatment that can help you.
5. Your doctor can also help identify things in your environment that may be contributing to your skin irritation. For example, if you started using a new soap or body lotion before the symptoms appeared, mention this to your doctor because a substance in the cream or lotion might be irritating your skin.
6. Emotional stress can also lead to eczema flare-ups, so your doctor might also ask you about any stress you are feeling at home, school, or work.
7. For some people with severe eczema, ultraviolet light therapy can help clear up the condition. Newer medicines that change the way the skin’s immune system reacts also may help.
8. If eczema doesn’t respond to normal treatment, your doctor might do allergy testing to see if something else is triggering the condition, especially if you have asthma or seasonal allergies.
See Also: VITILIGO: The Skin Condition You Should Know About
