Skin Dermatology, located in Munster, IN, treats eczema under the direction of board-certified dermatologists Dr. Namrata Shah and Dr. Tarun Kukreja. Our doctors want to discuss this form of dermatitis.
What is Eczema?
This condition is a type of dermatitis, which means that it is characterized by inflammation of the skin. It is not an autoimmune disease, but it is chronic and has no cure. However, we can manage the symptoms. When infants develop this kind of dermatitis, they are likely to outgrow this condition or show significant improvement in their skin as they age.
Eczema presents as red, dry, itchy, and scaly patches of skin. These patches may get better and then flare up again whenever you come in contact with a skin allergen. Some individuals may think you are contagious. However, this condition is not infectious.
Skin Dermatology in Munster, IN, explains that there are six types of eczema, including atopic, contact, dyshidrotic, neuro, nummular, and seborrheic dermatitis. It is not unusual to have more than one type of dermatitis.
Signs and Symptoms
- Dry, thick, leathery, flaky, scaly, crusty patches of skin
- Itchiness
- Red rash
- Bumps on the skin
- Swelling
This condition is not usually painful. However, it can cause a painful irritation if you keep itching the areas. This condition can flare up due to an overactive immune system, family genes, your environment, or emotional triggers.
Triggers
Your triggers may be different from others. Common triggers are weather conditions, fabrics, makeup, skin products, smoke, specific soaps and detergents, stress, and coming in contact with an allergen.
While medical researchers are unsure if foods trigger this skin condition, recommendations are to avoid foods you are allergic to as they could worsen your skin. Some common food allergies are nuts, dairy, and eggs. The only way to tell if food affects your skin is to monitor your skin. If the condition worsens after eating a specific food, you may be allergic and must avoid it.
Our doctors can offer you allergy testing or a skin biopsy to rule out another underlying skin condition and, closely examine the affected areas, and take a medical history to diagnose correctly.
Treatment Options
No one responds to treatment the same way. Our doctor may recommend the following.
- Skin moisturizers
- Topical medications
- Steroids
- Anti-inflammatories
- Immunosuppressants
- Light therapy.