Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions in the United States, affecting more than 30 million Americans today. While it doesn’t generally cause health complications, it can have a strong impact on a patient’s quality of life by leaving a person self-conscious and physically uncomfortable. If you have eczema, or suspect that you may have it, Dr. Holy in Phoenix has all the facts you need to know.
Eczema Actually Describes a Variety of Conditions – Most people use the term “eczema” when they’re talking about one specific condition, atopic dermatitis, which is a chronic condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed patches of skin. However, there are actually many types of eczema. Other than atopic dermatitis, the most common types of dermatitis include:
- Contact dermatitis: a rash that develops when your skin comes into contact with an irritant or when your skin has an allergic reaction
- Neurodermatitis: a recurring itch that develops on your skin for no apparent reason, often in times of stress, and this can lead to further inflammation and irritation from scratching the itch
- Nummular dermatitis: a rash of oval-shaped sores that develop usually after a skin injury like a burn, insect bite or abrasion
- Stasis dermatitis: the skin of the lower legs swells and discolors due to poor circulation
Eczema isn’t Contagious – Researchers don’t know the exact cause of eczema, but most types appear to be a combination of genetics and environmental factors. We do know, however, that neither the condition nor the symptoms are contagious.
Eczema isn’t Curable – While there isn’t a cure to eliminate eczema, the condition eventually goes away for most people. In the meantime, there are a variety of eczema treatments that can manage the symptoms. Depending on the type and severity of your eczema, Dr. Holy will design a treatment plan which may include prescription topical medications, laser treatments, antihistamines, specialized body washes and moisturizers, antibiotics, and more.
Eczema Symptoms Often Flare Up in Response to Specific Triggers – For many types of eczema, the symptoms come and go based on certain factors in your environment. Identifying these triggers can help you minimize your symptoms, but they’re different for each person.
Eczema can be a frustrating condition because the symptoms often occur at inopportune times. The good news, though, is that with treatment from an experienced and qualified medical professional, such as dermatologist Dr. Holy, you can be on your way to a more symptom-free life. To learn more about eczema, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com.
