What is eczema?
A skin condition that’s not contagious, eczema causes inflammation, dry skin, and itching. Patches of skin affected by eczema can appear anywhere on your body, but they’re most common near the creases on your legs, arms, and face.
If you scratch patches of skin affected by eczema, you may notice oozing and crusting in addition to the other symptoms.
What causes eczema?
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes eczema, but it may be related to genetics. People with eczema are also more likely to have flare-ups of the condition if they’re exposed to certain triggers, such as weather changes or stress.
Eczema can affect patients of any age, and it’s also likely to continue throughout your lifetime.
How do you diagnose eczema?
In most cases, Dr. Piantanida is able to diagnose eczema based solely on the appearance of your skin and a description of your symptoms. Rarely, she may need to take a biopsy to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis of eczema.
When diagnosing eczema, Dr. Piantanida also tells you which type of eczema you have. Types of eczema include:
- Stasis dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Dyshidrotic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis
Different types of eczema may respond better to different treatments.
What eczema treatments are available?
Eczema is a chronic condition. Most people with eczema continue to have flare-ups and periods of remission throughout their lives.
If your eczema is mild, you may be able to treat it effectively with antihistamines and/or over-the-counter creams. If your eczema is more severe, you may need prescription medications to treat it, including:
- Antifungal creams
- Antibiotic pills
- Oral steroids
- Steroid creams
Dr. Piantanida helps you determine which treatment options are best for you. Some patients may need more than one type of treatment to control symptoms.
How can I keep eczema under control?
The goal of eczema treatment is to minimize the frequency and intensity of flare-ups. To prevent flare-ups, use a mild cleanser on your skin and keep it moist. You should also follow all of Dr. Piantanida’s instructions carefully and use your medication as directed.
