Eczema Specialist

What is eczema?

Eczema is the collective term for a group of skin conditions that cause redness, inflammation, and itchiness. The most common types of eczema include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. 

Atopic dermatitis is the most prevalent type of eczema and is what most patients refer to when they use the term eczema. Some of the common signs of eczema include:

• Dry, sensitive skin
• Red, inflamed skin
• Severe itchiness
• Darkened patches of skin
• Rough or leathery patches of skin
• Oozing or crusty skin
• Swelling

Symptoms vary between patients. You also might have eczema flare-ups where your symptoms worsen. 

What causes eczema?

Medical researchers don’t fully understand the causes of eczema. Atopic diseases affect your immune system, so a combination of genetic and environmental factors might contribute to your condition.

For example, if you have close family members with eczema, you can also develop it. You might even find that other factors trigger your symptoms, including:

• Chemicals like soaps, detergents, and juices
• Allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander
• Extreme temperatures
• Foods such as dairy, nuts, seeds, and soy

Stress and hormonal imbalances might also cause an eczema flare-up. 

How is eczema treated?

The team at Orange Coast Dermatology provides personalized treatment plans for eczema. They begin with a thorough consultation to evaluate your skin and learn about your lifestyle to identify potential triggers. Your provider might recommend allergy testing. 

After your provider gathers the necessary information, they create your treatment program, which might include:

Lifestyle adjustments

The primary goal of eczema treatment is to reduce your skin irritation. Your provider might recommend changing detergents, soaps, and other cleaning products. They might also suggest that you avoid foods that trigger your symptoms. 

Laser therapy

The team at Orange Coast Dermatology offers state-of-the-art Excimer laser phototherapy. Excimer laser phototherapy is FDA approved and uses wavelengths of light to help your skin clear rapidly and maintain more extended remission periods. 

The device delivers a precisely targeted dose of UV light directly into your skin. The handheld applicator allows your provider to treat hard to reach areas. 

Medication

Your provider might also recommend oral or topical corticosteroids to reduce swelling and relieve your symptoms. 

Call Orange Coast Dermatology or make an appointment online today for expert treatment for eczema.