Eczema Specialist

What is eczema?

Eczema is a chronic skin condition, like psoriasis, that has no cure. Eczema symptoms vary from person to person, but typically cause itchy, red, and inflamed areas of skin that appear anywhere on your body. Eczema is common in children, often beginning before age five and lasting into adulthood.

There are several different types of psoriasis, including:

• Atopic dermatitis: the most common form of the disease that begins in childhood
• Contact dermatitis: triggered by an allergen or irritant to your immune system or skin
• Hand eczema: only affects your hand
• Stasis dermatitis: caused by fluid leaking from your veins, including varicose veins
• Neurodermatitis: similar to atopic dermatitis

Dr. Jeanne Paz carefully examines your skin to determine which type of eczema you have so she can prescribe the most effective treatments to get it under control.

What are the most common symptoms of eczema?

Eczema symptoms often include dry, itchy, or cracked patches of skin, or depending on the type you have, any of the following:

• Red to brownish-gray patches of skin
• Small raised bumps that usually crust and peel if you scratch them
• Thick, scaly skin
• Hay fever or asthma
• Raw skin from scratching
• Skin that appears swollen
• Severe itching, especially at night
• Skin infections

It’s important to find an effective method of managing your symptoms so they don’t worsen over time, or inhibit your quality of life. Dr. Paz and her caring team understand how frustrating this condition can be and provide customized treatment plans to relieve you of your symptoms and the stress that comes with managing daily eczema.

What treatments can relieve eczema symptoms?

Once Dr. Paz determines that your condition is eczema, and the type you have, she recommends treatments that relieve your symptoms and help to control the frequency of flare-ups. Mild eczema symptoms often respond well to:

• Using a humidifier during cold, dry months
• Managing your daily stress level
• Showering in warm instead of hot water
• Using mild, fragrance-free moisturizing soaps or lotions for sensitive skin
• Avoiding known irritants and triggers

For more severe cases of eczema, you may benefit from topical or oral medications that include hydrocortisone, antihistamines, or corticosteroids. Ultraviolet light therapy may also help relieve symptoms long term.

If managing eczema symptoms is a challenge, call Nassau Bay Dermatology to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paz, or use the online booking tool.