One of the most common skin conditions affecting Americans is eczema. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it affects over 31 million Americans, and as many as 20% of infants will have it. It is a form of dermatitis. There is no cure for this skin condition, but the experts at Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia can help you manage it. Take the following steps to ease your eczema in Vienna, VA, by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Linda Park Nims, Dr. Rebecca Rudd Barry, and Dr. Kelley Pagliai Redbord soon.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a form of dermatitis and often results from an allergic trigger. It can happen to anyone at any age and usually comes and goes with various flare-ups. There are different types of this skin condition, including:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Neurodermatitis
- Nummular eczema
If you have a family history of skin conditions, you're more susceptible to them. Asthma, hay fever, or various allergies can also create a skin flare-up.
What Are the Symptoms?
The skin condition often shows in unsightly dry or itchy skin. It may also appear as a rash or bumps. Thick and leathery patches of skin may develop. Your skin may become inflamed and begin to swell. Flaky, scaly, or crusty skin is also common.
Different people will have various forms of this condition. For some people, the rash may look red. Depending on skin tone, it may look purple or brown on someone else. The condition can erupt on any part of your skin, such as your hands, feet, cheeks, knees, ears, etc.
What Treatment Is Available?
The best way to prevent eczema occurrences in Vienna, VA, is to get to the root source of the inflammation. As mentioned, there is no cure for the skin disorder. However, a consultation with your dermatologists can help conclude what your triggers may be through skin biopsies, blood tests, and allergy tests. They can check for allergies related to pollen, certain foods, or pet dander and evaluate your skin products. Many people are also affected by changes in temperature, such as extreme heat or humidity. Laser treatment and oral medication like anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, and immunosuppressants prescribed by your skin doctors can help.
Getting to the source of your skin issues can improve your confidence and quality of life. Dr. Nims, Dr. Barry, and Dr. Redbord are always ready to help anyone with eczema in Vienna, VA. Give your skin some relief by scheduling a consultation at Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia. Learn more about this skin condition and treatment by calling (703) 938-5700.