Eczema

The underlying cause of eczema is still unknown. That said, researchers believe eczema to be a combination of genes and certain environmental triggers.

People with eczema experience this chronic skin condition differently, and it can show up in varying degrees on the skin. However, the most common symptoms and signs of eczema include skin that is itchy, dry, sensitive, inflamed, red, rough, leather-looking, scaly, oozing or crusting, and has slight swelling.

It’s important to understand that you can have one or all of these eczema symptoms, and they might go away completely or present in occasional flare-ups. Fortunately, eczema symptoms can be mitigated with adequate treatment. We recommend visiting a board-certified dermatologist for a professional eczema diagnosis and treatment plan.

Yes, there are different types of eczema. Eczema is a broad term encompassing a wide range of conditions that cause the skin to become dry, itchy, and inflamed. Currently, there are seven known types of eczema:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Neurodermatitis
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Nummular eczema
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Stasis dermatitis

If you’re suffering from eczema but aren’t sure which type, visit a board-certified dermatologist for a thorough skin consultation and diagnosis. Furthermore, an experienced dermatologist can help you uncover your specific eczema triggers to alleviate symptoms and ensure you live a more comfortable life.

Eczema and psoriasis are often confused with one another and while they are both chronic skin conditions that may show similar symptoms, there are ways to tell eczema and psoriasis apart.

Eczema – Typically causes intense itchiness that can interfere with everyday activities, such as concentrating at work or even sleeping. Eczema patches are often red and inflamed and may ooze and crust when scratched.

Psoriasis – May be itchy but nowhere near as intense as eczema. Psoriasis patches often look more silvery and scaly, as well as more inflamed than eczema patches and sometimes even raised.

While there’s no exact way to prevent an eczema flare-up, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of one. For example, learning your unique eczema triggers to avoid them, moisturizing regularly, being conscious of what materials and topicals irritate your skin, and more.

A board-certified dermatologist can help you uncover what your eczema triggers are, as well as find you the right skin care products to help mitigate eczema symptoms and flare-ups.

While there is no cure for eczema, our board-certified dermatologists are experienced in creating personalized eczema treatment plans to help patients manage or prevent flare-ups. These treatment plans may include:

• Topical medications
• Phototherapy
• Systemic medications
• Over-the-counter products

Learn more about how we help our patients better manage their eczema by getting in touch with Cumberland Skin near Hermitage in Tennessee today.

Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for eczema. However, there are certain steps and treatment options you can implement to help reduce eczema flare ups and better manage eczema symptoms to live a more comfortable, happy life.

Contact the dermatologists at Cumberland Skin in Hermitage, Tennessee, for an eczema treatment plan.