Eczema Treatment in South Miami
What are the symptoms and signs of eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that affects many people all over the globe. Unfortunately, eczema has no known cure. However, there are plenty of dermatologist-recommended diet and lifestyle changes that can help prevent outbreaks. In most people, eczema tends to show some of the following signs and symptoms:
- Itching
- Thick patches
- Dryness
- Brown blisters
- Yellow blisters
- Pus-filled blisters
- Swelling
In addition, eczema tends to most commonly affect these areas of the body:
- Face
- Knees
- Neck
- Elbows
- Hands
- Legs
For many patients, these symptoms do not improve with over-the-counter eczema medications or creams. If you notice any of the above common symptoms of eczema, it’s important to speak with a dermatologist about your treatment options. At the Skin Center of South Miami, we have in-house eczema experts who have helped many patients overcome their eczema outbreaks and feel better about their skin.
What is the main cause of eczema?
Eczema is common in men and women as well as children. It is not contagious and will not spread from one person to another–even if you touch a person’s skin who is experiencing an eczema flare-up. The exact cause for eczema is not currently known, however, 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
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 mind: How long does eczema last? To put it simply, it depends on many factors, like your age, the type of eczema you have, and the severity of it. However, with the help of a dermatologist, you may be able to improve or clear up your eczema outbreak quicker. Speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members to determine the best treatment path for you and to begin your road to healthier-looking skin.
What is the best cure for eczema?
There is no currently known cure for eczema, but there are treatments that have proven successful in reducing the symptoms of the condition. The best treatment options to stop an eczema outbreak can be determined by your dermatologist, who knows your skin and your personal needs best. In general, some of the suggested eczema treatment options might include:
- Using the right moisturizer at the right time (as directed by your dermatologist)
- Use over-the-counter skin treatments for mild symptom management
- Use oatmeal baths to calm the skin when needed
In addition, visit your dermatologist to discuss other prescription treatment options, including:
- Phototherapy for eczema
- Prescription medications to soothe severe eczema symptoms:
-Redness
-Itching
-Rashes
-Dryness
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 in some cases. 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 have included:
- Scarring
- Increased blistering
- Increased redness and itching
- Blood infection
- Staph infection
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)
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. A dermatologist at the Skin Center of South Miami can help you find a treatment option that alleviates your itching skin.
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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 your concerns are. Call us at 305-740-6181 or fill out the form on this page to schedule a consultation today.