Eczema can be challenging to live with. Conversely, your eczema may temporarily vanish. This is referred to as a “remission” time. Other times, you may experience a “flare-up” when things worsen. Integrated Dermatology of 19th Street eczema therapy aims to prevent flare-ups and keep your symptoms from worsening.
Common symptoms of eczema
Itching is a common complaint among eczema patients. Because most varieties of eczema have the same look, raised plaques of red, bumpy skin, the location of the eruption can be beneficial in identifying one type from another. For example, stasis dermatitis more commonly affects the lower thigh, whereas atopic dermatitis affects the front of the elbow and behind the knee. Prevalent indicators of eczema include:
- Severe itching.
- Crusting as a result of dried-up fluid.
- Patches of red or brownish-gray.
- Pus leakage due to secondary infection.
- Several small, raised bumps that may ooze fluid when scratched
Causes of eczema
Eczema’s cause is not well known. However, researchers believe an overactive immune system causes it. When your skin is exposed to external irritants, your immune system overreacts, causing your eczema to worsen. Furthermore, researchers discovered that some patients with eczema do not produce enough of a protein called filaggrin (filament aggregating protein). This protein is in charge of maintaining the skin hydrated and healthy.
How to treat eczema
Acute eczema with substantial weeping and leaking needs repeated cycles of application of mild vinegar or tap water solutions, frequently in the form of a compress followed by evaporation. This is usually accomplished by placing the injured body part before a fan following the compress. Once the acute weeping has subsided, topical steroid treatments (such as triamcinolone cream) can be an effective therapy. Tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) is a topical calcineurin inhibitor that treats moderate to severe eczema, while pimecrolimus cream (Elidel) cures mild to moderate eczema. Dupilumab (Dupixent), an injectable biologic (monoclonal antibody), is used to treat severe eczema that has not responded to conventional therapies. Systemic steroids may also be required in severe illnesses, either orally or by injection (shot).
Foods to eat or avoid to reduce your risk of eczema
The relationship between eczema and dietary allergies is unknown. One of the reasons you should avoid certain foods if you have food allergies is that they might induce or aggravate dermatitis. Peanuts, dairy, eggs, sugar, alcohol, and gluten are all examples of typical allergies. You are recommended to take note of what you consume. If your eczema flares up after consuming a specific food, you may be allergic to it. No nutrition, including chicken, can cause or exacerbate your eczema if you do not have a food allergy.
No cure for eczema exists, but the correct therapies can successfully manage symptoms. A mix of lifestyle modifications and drugs may be used in treatment. In certain circumstances, eczema can lead to other health problems such as infections, asthma, or deteriorating skin. Finding the correct remedies; however, can help prevent problems.
Consult a doctor if you are having problems controlling your eczema or if your symptoms are worsening. They can help you determine a treatment strategy that works for you and decreases flare-ups. Call Integrated Dermatology of 19th Street to schedule your meeting today to learn more about different eczema treatments.
