Condition Spotlight – Eczema
Condition Spotlight – Eczema
Eczema, also known as Atopic dermatitis, is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. Eczema can occur at any age but is most common in children. Eczema is a chronic condition and tends to flare periodically. Asthma or hay fever may also accompany Eczema.
No cure has been found for atopic dermatitis. But treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks. For example, it helps to avoid harsh soaps, moisturize your skin regularly, and apply medicated creams or ointments.
What are the Symptoms?
- Dry skin
- Thick, cracked skin
- Scaly skin
- Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratching
- Itching
- Red to brownish-gray patches, especially on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and in infants, the face and scalp
- Raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
Treatment
- Itch control creams. We may prescribe a corticosteroid cream or ointment. Apply it as directed, after you moisturize. We will advise you of any side effects.
- Drugs to fight infection. Antibiotic creams may help if your skin has a bacterial infection, an open sore or cracks.
- Oral drpougs that control inflammation. For more-severe cases, we may prescribe oral corticosteroids — such as prednisone.
