What is Eczema?

Eczema is a widespread skin condition that affects over 35 million Americans. It is mainly characterized by inflamed and itchy patches of skin. While it can be present in adults, it is usually more prevalent in small children and babies. Let’s take a look at the various types of eczema, what the symptoms are and what you can do to treat the condition.

What are the Different Types of Eczema?

There are many types of eczema and it’s important to understand each one of them if you want to understand how to treat them.

When eczema is caused by direct contact with an irritant, it is referred to as contact dermatitis. This will result in itching, burning and redness on the skin as the contact occurs. The issues will usually disappear once you remove the irritants.

Dyshidrotic dermatitis will affect your soles, palms and fingers. It will result in scaly skin patches that might become cracked, painful or red. The condition is more commonly found in women.

Nummular dermatitis will usually manifest itself in the winter and target the legs mostly resulting in round, dry patches of skin. The condition is more common in men.

And seborrheic dermatitis occurs on the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelids and takes the form of red, itchy rashes. The condition can also manifest itself on the sides of your nose side or behind the ears.

What Causes Eczema?

While the causes of the condition are not completely known, it is believed that it is caused by some kind of aggressive immune system response to irritants. It can also be caused by a reaction to various proteins in the body. The body will usually attack intruding proteins associated with viruses or bacteria, but in the case of eczema, the body is unable to tell the difference between the two and starts attacking your body’s proteins as well.

What are the Treatments for Eczema?

You can treat eczema in a wide variety of ways. Antihistamines can be prescribed to treat the condition. OTC antihistamines like Allegra or Zyrtec can help stop the production of histamines that are responsible for the symptoms in the first place.

Your doctor might also prescribe a cortisone ointment or cream. However, you should know that these should not be taken long term as they may lead to irritation, discoloration or thinning of the skin. Your doctor may also prescribe immunosuppressants to prevent your body from overreacting or antibiotics, whether oral or topical.

If you think that you may be suffering from eczema and might need treatment, we suggest that you contact a professional immediately. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best allergy specialist in New York.