Eczema Treatment – What Is Eczema?

Atopic Dermatitis Treatments

What is eczema? Eczema is a term most commonly used to describe atopic dermatitis, most often an inherited skin problem describing those with “sensitive skin.” People that suffer from atopic dermatitis have dry skin that loses moisture more easily than normal skin. In these individuals, the skin’s immune system is hypersensitive. This often manifests itself on the skin in the form of an itchy rash characterized by redness, scale and sometimes oozing or fluid-filled blisters.

How Do You Know If You Have Eczema?

There are so many types of eczema that it is important to be evaluated by one of our dermatologists in Nocatee or Jacksonville, FL. One type of eczema may just be seasonal and secondary to extreme dryness of skin. Another type of eczema may affect your hands only. The most common type involves itchy scaling patches that often involve the skin behind the knees or in the inner crease of the arm in front of the elbow but can affect many different areas on the skin.

All types of eczema involve damaged skin barrier. It is important to support the skin barrier by using gentle soaps/cleansers, bathing in cooler water temperature and using hypoallergenic routine skin care. Hypoallergenic products are those that are free of fragrance and harsh preservatives. Look for products with oils, ceramides or glycerin. I use a coined term “Grease for peace” as the more moisture you have on your skin, the better it will feel.

Have you had a total body skin exam lately? Request an appointment online today!