What is Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It is known as the “itch that rashes.” Types of eczema are identified by what is triggering the skin to become inflamed. Eczema manifests as itchy, red, rough, scaly inflamed skin.
Are There Different Types of Eczema?
Atopic Dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema caused by an allergy to either a food or airborne allergen.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that is secondary to a chemical or allergen.
Irritant Dermatitis: Irritant dermatitis is secondary to abrasions of skin. Examples include excessive hand washing or exposure to harsh chemicals.
What Are the Symptoms of Eczema?
It’s important to note that eczema symptoms can vary over time, with periods of remission and flare-ups. Eczema can manifest in various ways and vary in severity from person to person. Common symptoms include:
Itchy Skin
Pruritus (itchiness) is a hallmark symptom of eczema and often precedes the appearance of a rash
Red or Inflamed Skin
Affected skin areas become red, swollen, and can develop into raised patches
Dry or Scaly Skin
Eczema often causes the skin to become excessively dry, leading to flaking and scaling
Rash
Eczema rashes can appear as small bumps, blisters, or as thickened, cracked skin
Eczema Patches
These patches can be localized or spread across larger areas of the body, such as the hands, face, elbows, and knees
Crusting
Scratching eczema-affected skin can result in crust formation on the skin’s surface
Sensitive Skin
The skin can become hypersensitive, reacting to irritants more easily than normal
Skin Discoloration
Over time, chronic eczema can cause skin discoloration, turning the affected areas lighter or darker
Weeping or Oozing
In some cases, eczema may lead to the oozing of clear fluid from affected areas
Secondary Infections
Persistent scratching can lead to open sores, increasing the risk of bacterial or viral infections
Sleep Disturbance
Severe itching can disrupt sleep, affecting overall well-being and quality of life
Diagnosing & Treating Eczema
An eczema rash can also be part of an underlying disease state. In certain situations, it might be clinically indicated to evaluate for an underlying disease state such as celiac disease, wiskott-aldrich syndrome, autoimmune diseases, or infections.
Medical History
Physical Exam
Diagnostic Testing
Treatment
Eczema Testing in New Jersey
How to Test for Eczema
Learn more about some of the testing options available for eczema.
Eczema Treatment in New Jersey
What is the Best Treatment for Eczema?
The most effective way to treat eczema is to identify the underlying cause. If this involves an allergy, strict avoidance is recommended. Here are other common treatments.
Topical Medications & Moisturizers
Topical moisturizers are the foundation of treatment in patients with eczema to address dry, flaky, itchy skin. Medications may include anti-inflammatory topical medications including steroid and non-steroid creams and ointments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eczema
Can I develop Eczema as an adult?
Yes, people can develop new allergies at any point in life which could lead to eczema. If there was a change in your diet, environment, or topical skin products, that could bring about an eczematous rash. In addition, one might develop a new allergy to allergens that they previously tolerated.
My hands get itchy and rough during the winter. Is this a sign of Eczema?
Hand itchiness and roughness is most often a result of an irritant dermatitis, with chafing of the skin from cold dry air. It tends to be exaggerated with hand washing or harsh hand soaps. Aggressive use of moisturizers and minimizing hand washing are often most helpful.
Can Eczema go away?
Yes, the most effective way to treat eczema is to identify the underlying trigger. If you have eczema because of exposure to a food or environmental allergen, with strict avoidance, the eczema will often improve or even resolve.
Why do I have Eczema?
One of the most important aspects in the management of eczema is answering this question. Therefore, patients are often evaluated for an underlying food allergy, environmental allergy and allergic chemical contact dermatitis during the diagnostic process.
