Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition affecting about 31 million people in the United States. It’s an inflammatory condition that makes the skin itchy and dry. The dermatologists at Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology, in Alpharetta, Canton, Cumming, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek and Toccoa, GA, specialize in diagnosing and treating eczema. They customize care to reduce symptoms and improve skin health using the most advanced therapies available. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online at the office nearest you for expert eczema care.

What is eczema?

Eczema, or dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes persistently itchy, dry, or red skin. The skin condition is caused by a defect in the external skin barrier, causing repeated episodes of inflammation — the “itch-scratch” cycle.

Many factors, including genetics and the environment, might play roles in the development of eczema.

Genetics and eczema

People with eczema might have a genetic defect that causes a deficiency in the protein filaggrin that keeps the skin moist. Without this protein, the skin becomes drier and itches. There are other genetic defects in skin molecules that can also lead to various forms of eczema.

Environment and eczema

An allergen or another outside irritant might also cause eczema by triggering the immune system response that causes skin inflammation.

What kinds of eczema are there?

There are seven kinds of eczema, each with its own symptoms. The types of eczema are:

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common eczema and affects people of all ages, including babies. Atopic dermatitis is chronic and causes very dry, itchy skin that comes and goes. Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology is currently recruiting patients with atopic dermatitis for clinical research studies.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a rash that breaks out when your skin comes in contact with an irritant or allergen.

Dyshidrotic eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema causes itchy blisters on the hands and feet.

Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis is eczema that causes an itchy patch of skin that’s hard not to scratch. The more you scratch, the more it itches.

Nummular eczema

Nummular eczema causes round, well-defined itchy spots on the hands, arms, and legs. This eczema can leak a clear fluid that causes the skin to become dry and crusty.

Stasis dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis is a skin condition triggered by poor circulation in the legs that causes swelling. The excess fluid leads to inflammation and skin discoloration.

How is eczema treated?

Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology focuses its eczema treatment on restoring the skin barrier. The dermatologists use a combination of topical hydration and anti-inflammatory medications.

The treatments for eczema can include:

• Daily bathing and moisturizing
• Wet wrap therapy
• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids
• Phototherapy

The dermatologists might conduct skin allergy testing to identify allergens that trigger your eczema. They help you change your routine to avoid the allergen, reducing the severity and frequency of eczema flare-ups.

Call Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology today or schedule an appointment online for complete eczema care.