Eczema

About 31 million people in the United States have eczema, which includes a group of skin conditions that causes dry, inflamed, itchy skin. The team at Redwood Empire Dermatology in Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, and Oakmont, California, specializes in diagnosing and treating eczema. To get relief from your itchy, red skin rash, call the office most convenient to you or book an appointment online today.

What is eczema?

Eczema is a general term that refers to skin conditions that cause red, itchy skin. It’s a common, chronic skin condition that affects infants, children, and adults. 

Researchers are still investigating the underlying cause of eczema but theorize it occurs from a combination of genetics and environmental factors. The inflammation may occur because of an abnormal immune response to an irritant or allergen. 

People with asthma and allergies are more likely to develop eczema. 

What are the types of eczema?

There are seven types of eczema. These types include:

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It affects the skin’s natural barrier system, making it dry and itchy. Atopic dermatitis usually affects large areas of skin.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis causes a red, itchy rash when your skin comes in contact with an irritant or allergen.

Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis causes intensely itchy patches of skin. Continued scratching may irritate the nerves.

Dyshidrotic dermatitis

With dyshidrotic dermatitis, you develop itchy blisters on the hands and feet. 

Nummular dermatitis

With nummular dermatitis, you have circular patches of itchy skin that may leak fluid.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis affects the areas of the skin that produce the most oil, like the face and scalp. 

Stasis dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis is a type of eczema that develops on the skin around the ankles due to poor circulation.

You can have more than one type of eczema.

What happens during an eczema evaluation?

The Redwood Empire Dermatology team conducts a thorough evaluation when you come in with concerns about an itchy, red rash. They review your medical and family history and examine your skin.

They can diagnose eczema after an evaluation but may take a sample of your rash and send it to the lab for confirmation. 

What are the treatments for eczema?

Eczema treatment depends on the type and severity of symptoms. Currently, there’s no cure for eczema, but the team at Redwood Empire Dermatology creates plans that minimize symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

Treatment might include:

• Antihistamines
• Steroid ointments and steroid sparing ointments
• Oral corticosteroids
• Phototherapy
• Barrier restoration creams
• New, highly effective, and FDA approved topical and oral JAK inhibitors
• New, highly effective, and FDA approved injectables, such as Dupixent  

The team also talks to you about how to care for your skin at home to reduce flare-ups and symptoms, including regular use of moisturizers, non allergenic soaps and detergents, and dietary interventions.

For expert eczema care, call Redwood Empire Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today.

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