Eczema isn’t contagious, and there’s no cure, but it affects nearly 32% of people in the United States. At California Dermatology Physicians, board-certified dermatologists Joseph Sedrak, MD, and Laura Cohen, MD, understand that eczema symptoms are sometimes intolerable. Some people outgrow this itchy, painful skin condition, while others have it throughout their adult life. Get expert treatment customized for your specific type of eczema by calling the Huntington Beach, California, office or requesting an appointment online.
Eczema is a group of skin conditions that cause red, inflamed, itchy skin. Each different type of eczema causes itching and redness, and you may have more than one type of eczema at the same time. This group of skin conditions is not contagious, but it’s often triggered by environmental factors that cause flare-ups.
A common form of eczema is called atopic dermatitis. Sometimes people use this name as a way to describe other types of eczema, as well. Atopic dermatitis is chronic and inflammatory, and usually begins during childhood. Contact dermatitis is another common form of eczema that occurs when your skin comes in contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction.
Eczema symptoms are different for everyone, but Itchy skin is the common symptom of all types of eczema. Eczema symptoms may appear suddenly as a rash that causes:
Contact dermatitis symptoms usually appear on your hands, feet, or wherever your body comes in contact with an irritant or allergen. Most of the time, you get contact dermatitis from:
When you’re unable to manage symptoms on your own, or the constant itching becomes disruptive to your daily life, the team at California Dermatology Physicians can help you get symptoms under control.
At California Dermatology Physicians, the team first examines your skin to determine the type of eczema you have so they can offer the most effective treatment options. They may recommend specific changes to your skin care regimen or lifestyle so you can get long-term relief. Knowing what triggers your flare-ups and avoiding those things can help minimize the intense itching and discomfort of eczema.
There is no cure for eczema, so treatment focuses on managing your symptoms and minimizing flare-ups. Eczema is connected to your immune system, so treatment sometimes includes medications like:
For severe cases that don’t respond well to medications or other treatments, your provider may recommend photodynamic therapy or ultraviolet light therapy.
Take the first step in getting your eczema under control by calling California Dermatology Physicians to schedule an appointment or book online.