Over the years, McLean & Potomac Dermatology providers have worked with many patients who were struggling with eczema (also known as dermatitis). This skin condition can manifest in many ways but is characterized by patches of red, inflamed skin that itches and can be accompanied by dry skin flakes.
If you are struggling with this issue, it’s important to keep in mind that the condition is unlikely to resolve on its own without medical intervention or lifestyle changes. This is because eczema can have many causes and can sometimes appear in cycles. Therefore, figuring out the root cause of the problem and finding the best course of treatment is absolutely vital for getting this condition under control.
What is Eczema?
The term ‘eczema’ is often associated with skin dryness and for good reason. Our skin is vital for our health because it forms an effective barrier that keeps us safe from bacteria and viruses. However, this barrier relies heavily on moisture to maintain its strength and effectiveness.
When moisture becomes depleted, the natural barrier becomes more vulnerable to the bacteria on our skin and in the environment. This causes the body to react with an inflammatory response because the immune system perceives a threat. In turn, this response leads to the development of red, itchy patches on the skin.
However, there does not have to be an actual threat to the body for this response to occur. In some individuals, eczema is the result of the body perceiving a certain chemical as a threat. For example, the immune system may incorrectly perceive chemicals in a skin cream or a detergent as a threat and react with inflammation.
What Causes Eczema?
Some patients may even experience eczema as a reaction to chemicals in their work settings. For example, individuals who work in manufacturing or cosmetology may find their symptoms become exacerbated after work, only to be improved during a vacation. Eczema flare-ups can also be triggered by stress.
Eczema is also exacerbated by dry skin, so the skincare products you use, as well as your daily routine, can impact when your eczema flares significantly.
Treating Eczema
Here at McLean & Potomac Dermatology, we believe in providing every patient with individualized care and attention. In many ways, your skin is a reflection of your daily habits and underlying health conditions. This is why we carefully study your skin and take the time to understand which factors may contribute the most to your eczema symptoms.
When it comes to treating this skin condition, we can utilize a variety of options customized to your unique needs. Here are just some of the eczema treatment options we may suggest:
Moisturizing
One aspect of treating eczema is providing the skin with ample moisture. This will help strengthen the protective barrier of the skin and reduce the inflammatory response. However, not all moisturizers are created equal. Some just smell nice but are incredibly weak at delivering moisture to your skin. We will help you select the best moisturizer for your skin type and help you figure out the best skin care routine. Thick creams are often better for eczema-prone skin compared to lotions because they are more soothing and moisturizing.
Habits
Another major aspect of treating eczema is figuring out which aspects of your daily routine contribute to the problem. Overwashing your skin with harsh soaps strips the oils of the skin that cannot repair itself and cause a flareup. Or, perhaps a certain chemical or soap at your workplace causes the body to react with inflammation. You may also be using a skin care product that actively depletes the moisture levels in the skin.
Topical Steroids
For some patients, corticosteroid ointment may be a viable treatment option. Topical steroids treat eczema by reducing inflammation and associated redness. However, it’s important to accurately assess which corticosteroid concentration will be the best solution in your situation and to use the steroids carefully; it is unsafe to use topical steroids long-term.
Schedule Treatments for Eczema in McLean or Potomac
If you’re struggling with eczema, it’s important to get help for this issue as soon as possible. Although this condition is not life-threatening or contagious, chronic inflammation can lead to the development of other health conditions. Further, by effectively treating this skin condition, you can improve how your skin feels and eliminate itchiness and discomfort.
To schedule your eczema appointment, please give us a call at (703) 356-5111.
