Dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition that is quite common, affecting millions.
To help demystify the condition, the best eczema doctor in Maryland specializing in this condition has answered top questions.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the essential aspects of eczema.
What Is Eczema Exactly? What Are the Symptoms?
Eczema is a chronic condition that occurs with inflamed, itchy, and often red and/or cracked patches of skin. It’s primarily caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that affect your skin’s ability to protect itself from irritants, including allergens and bacteria.
The most common symptoms include dry and sensitive skin, because the skin’s ability to retain moisture is also affected. Additionally, signs include intense itching, redness, inflamed skin, recurring rash, scaly areas, oozing or crusting, areas of swelling, and dark-colored patches of skin.
Symptoms can vary significantly and can even fluctuate in severity over time.
Why Is It so Itchy?
The itchiness associated with eczema is due to the inflammation under the skin and a weakened skin barrier that allows irritants to affect the skin more easily.
Scratching can worsen the problem, so it’s crucial to manage itchiness effectively with appropriate treatments.
What Type of Eczema Do I Have?
There are multiple types of eczema, each with distinct characteristics and triggers. A few types include:
- Atopic dermatitis: This is the most common and can affect anyone, though it most commonly affects children.
- Contact dermatitis: This type results from direct contact with allergens/skin irritants.
- Dyshidrotic eczema: This type can cause rashes and blisters and produce a burning sensation.
- Nummular eczema: This type is characterized by small round patches of irritated skin, most often on arms and legs.
There’s no way to be sure which type you have without a proper diagnosis from a dermatologist, which is crucial for effective management.
Are There Effective Treatments the Best Eczema Doctor in Maryland Can Provide?
Yes, there are effective treatments, though there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Management strategies include over-the-counter remedies, prescription topical medications, phototherapy, immunosuppressants, and biologic drugs.
Skincare routines focusing on moisturizing the skin are also crucial.
What Causes Eczema?
The exact cause is not known. However, a combination of factors are often at play, including environmental and genetic. People with this condition often have an overactive immune system that attacks the body instead of protecting it when the skin is exposed to allergen.
Will It Go Away on Its Own?
Eczema often requires lifelong management. Symptoms may improve or even clear up completely for periods, but they can also return or flare.
Early and effective management can help reduce the frequency and severity of flares.
What Is the Three-Minute Rule?
The three-minute rule is a guideline suggesting that moisturizer should be applied within three minutes of bathing/showering. This helps retain moisture and avoid irritation from dryness. This practice is simple yet can be very helpful.
How Often Should You Shower With Eczema, and Which Is the Best Type of Soap to Use?
It’s best to limit showers or baths to once daily, using lukewarm water, and keep them limited to five to 10 minutes. Over-bathing reduces natural oils on the skin, which can worsen dryness and irritation.
The best soaps are those that are mild and made specifically for people with sensitive skin. Look for soap-free cleansers and non-foaming washes.
Products labeled as hypoallergenic and free from fragrances, dyes, and other irritants are best. Moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or oils can also be beneficial.
How Should Eczema Be Managed Long Term?
Long-term eczema treatment involves identifying and avoiding personal triggers, maintaining a consistent skincare routine, using medications as prescribed, and monitoring the skin’s condition regularly.
Staying informed about new treatments and adjustments in care is also vital. Support from a dermatologist, as well as a network of people who understand and share the experience, can make managing eczema more bearable.
Better Skin Health Is Just a Call to Visage Away!
Your search for the best eczema doctor in Maryland ends at Visage, where the top skincare specialists offer remarkable eczema care!
Call us today at 301-358-3304 to book your consultation, during which you can learn more about clinical trials for eczema patients that are revolutionizing the treatment process!