Eczema Treatment in South Miami, FL
If your skin constantly feels irritated, red, or dry no matter what you try, eczema could be the reason. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can help you better manage your symptoms.
At the Skin Center of South Miami in Florida, our board-certified dermatologists offer clinical care for eczema and other chronic skin conditions.
Symptoms and Signs of Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that affects many people all over the globe. Eczema has no known cure. However, there are plenty of dermatologist-recommended diet and lifestyle changes that can help prevent outbreaks.
Eczema tends to most commonly affect the face, knees, neck, elbows, hands, and legs. In most people, it tends to show some of the following signs and symptoms:
- Itching
- Thick patches
- Dryness
- Brown blisters
- Yellow blisters
- Pus-filled blisters
- Swelling
Causes of Eczema
The exact cause of eczema is not currently known. Physicians do understand that eczema seems to run in families and may be influenced by certain risk factors.
Those who are suffering from eczema may have developed the condition due to one of the following related factors:
- Environmental factors
- Skin sensitivity
- Genetics
- Skin barrier defects
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Abnormal immune system functioning
Types of Eczema
While atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, there are several other types that present with different symptoms and triggers:
- Contact Dermatitis: Caused by direct contact with allergens or irritants like soaps, detergents, or metals. Leads to redness, burning, and itching in the area of contact.
- Dyshidrotic Eczema: Appears as small, itchy blisters on the hands and feet. These can be painful and may crack or peel.
- Nummular Eczema: Characterized by round, coin-shaped patches of dry, scaly, and itchy skin. Most commonly found on the legs, arms, or torso.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: Typically affects oily areas of the skin like the scalp, face, and chest. Symptoms include red, scaly patches and dandruff.
- Stasis Dermatitis: Develops in the lower legs due to poor circulation. Skin may appear swollen, discolored, and itchy, often with open sores.
How Do You Clear Up Eczema?
While there is currently no known cure that will completely get rid of eczema, there are several treatment options that can help alleviate the symptoms. In some cases, people are able to totally calm their eczema flare-ups and avoid an outbreak for several weeks, months, or even years at a time.
The best way to avoid eczema flare-ups is by following some of these basic tips:
- Visit a dermatologist regularly and whenever you experience a flare-up
- Avoid exfoliating creams or materials
- Practice good stress management techniques
- Get to know your skin and the triggers for your eczema
- Take shorter showers at a lukewarm temperature
- Apply moisturizers and/or prescription creams as needed when your skin is dry or flaring up
How Long Does It Take Eczema to Heal?
Many patients with eczema have one key question on their minds: How long does eczema last? To put it simply, it depends on many factors, like your age, the type of eczema you have, and how severe it is.
However, with the help of a dermatologist, you may be able to improve or clear up your eczema outbreak quicker.
What Stops the Itching of Eczema?
Use the following eczema relief tips for excessive eczema itching and to calm irritated skin, especially at night:
- Bathing before bed, especially using oatmeal baths
- Wrapping the dry areas of your skin in a damp towel
- Using soft, hypoallergenic sheets and blankets
- Avoiding allergens
- Using moisturizers
- Using any prescription medications advised by your dermatologist
- Keep the climate cool as much as possible
- Avoid fragrances and dyes (especially in moisturizers)
- Avoid cigarette smoke
- Avoid leaving sweat on your skin (bathe as soon as you can after a workout or being in heat)
Why Choose Us for Eczema Care in South Miami
At the Skin Center of South Miami, your skin’s health is in the hands of board-certified dermatologists with advanced training in both medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Our team includes experts like Dr. Franz Kerdel, who is experienced in managing everything from mild eczema to complex skin conditions. Dr. Varee Poochareon and Dr. Todd Coven bring additional expertise in research, surgical dermatology, and personalized treatment planning.
Whether you’re dealing with occasional flare-ups or chronic symptoms, we provide evidence-based care tailored to your skin.
“Dr. Poochareon and her staff were at their highest level of professionalism; this was illustrated from the warm welcome I received at the reception desk to the final briefing I received upon departing the facility. I received a full body exam and I was given a thorough explanation of the Doctors findings with an approved action plan o to take if conditions change or become worse. I highly recommend Dr. Poochareon to anyone to take care of their dermatology concerns.” — Paul Smith
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Eczema Spread by Scratching?
Eczema never spreads from person to person through scratching or skin contact. However, if you already have eczema and irritate the skin further by scratching it, you may worsen the condition.
If you are experiencing an eczema outbreak, you should always avoid any abrasive fabrics, refrain from scratching the area, and speak with your dermatologist as soon as you can.
What Are the Best Moisturizers and Skincare Products for Eczema-Prone Skin?
Choosing the right products is important when living with eczema. Look for moisturizers and treatments that support your skin barrier and avoid triggering irritation. Recommended options include:
- Ingredients to look for: Ceramides, glycerin, petrolatum, shea butter, and colloidal oatmeal.
- Product types: Ointments and thick creams are more effective than lotions for locking in moisture.
- Brands often recommended by dermatologists: Vanicream, CeraVe, Eucerin, Aveeno Eczema Therapy, and Aquaphor.
- What to avoid: Fragrances, alcohol-based products, essential oils, and harsh exfoliants.
What Happens if Eczema Is Left Untreated?
When eczema goes untreated long-term, it could cause a number of other skin complications and could even develop into a serious infection. For most people, the most noticeable complication of untreated eczema is prolonged skin irritation and redness.
For those who experience more severe reactions to untreated eczema, complications may include scarring, blistering, increased redness and itching, blood infections, or staph infections.
What Foods Trigger Eczema Flare-Ups?
Although food is not always the root cause of eczema, certain items may make symptoms worse in some individuals. Common dietary triggers include dairy products, eggs, soy, wheat and gluten, nuts, shellfish, and processed or high-sugar foods.
These ingredients may contribute to inflammation or trigger immune responses that aggravate eczema symptoms.
Are There Any Natural Remedies for Eczema Relief?
Natural remedies can sometimes offer added relief alongside medical treatment. While these options are not a cure, they may help soothe irritated skin:
- Oatmeal Baths: Help calm itching and inflammation.
- Coconut Oil: May reduce bacteria and support moisture retention.
- Sunflower Seed Oil: Can improve hydration and skin barrier function.
- Aloe Vera: May soothe mild itching and inflammation.
- Probiotics: Early research suggests a possible role in balancing immune response.
Always consult your dermatologist before trying a new natural remedy, especially on broken or sensitive skin.
How Does Phototherapy Help With Eczema?
Phototherapy is a dermatologist-administered treatment that uses controlled ultraviolet (UV) light to reduce eczema symptoms. This therapy helps decrease inflammation, relieve itching, slow down the overactive immune response in eczema-prone skin, and improve skin texture and appearance over time.
It is typically recommended for moderate to severe cases of eczema that do not respond well to topical treatments. Sessions are usually scheduled two to three times per week in a medical setting. Your dermatologist will determine if phototherapy is the right option based on your skin condition and medical history.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about eczema prevention and treatment, visit our experienced dermatologists at the Skin Center of South Miami.
Our providers are experts when it comes to treating eczema and are dedicated to delivering personalized dermatology care for every patient, no matter how big or small their concerns are. Call us at 305-740-6181 or fill out the form on this page to schedule a consultation today.