Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Management and Relief

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is one of the most common skin conditions treated by a dermatologist. The dermatologists at Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery offer comprehensive dermatology services, including diagnosis and treatment of eczema. They have three convenient office locations in Tulsa, Muskogee, and Broken Arrow, OK.

What You Need To Know About Eczema

Eczema can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Immune system issues
• Genetics
• Environmental exposure

You are more likely to develop eczema if you have dry skin. Dry skin can cause cracking and create a skin barrier that is less resistant to allergens. When dry skin is exposed to an allergen, the allergen can invade the skin more easily, causing a rash and other signs and symptoms.

You may have eczema if you notice reddish-brown patches developing on your ankles, feet, hands, knees, chest, elbows, face, scalp, and chest. You may notice other signs and symptoms of eczema, including:

• Chronic, severe itching, which can become more severe at night
• Swollen, inflamed, red, raw, sensitive skin
• Patches of dry, cracked, scaly skin
• Bumps on the skin that are draining fluid, which will crust over

If you are experiencing mild eczema symptoms, you may be able to achieve relief by following a few simple tips like these:

• Taking over-the-counter antihistamine medications like Allegra
• Applying calamine lotion and other anti-itch topical medications
• Applying moisturizer while taking a shower
• Applying cool, wet bandages and dressings
• Taking warm oatmeal or baking soda baths
• Placing a humidifier in your home
• Wearing cool, breathable cotton clothing

It’s time to visit your dermatologist for eczema treatment if your eczema symptoms are:

• Not relieved with home therapies
• Getting more severe or more frequent
• Interfering with your quality of life

Your dermatologist has several effective medications to treat eczema and may recommend:

• Dupixent, which works to prevent your immune system from overreacting
• Rinvoq, which helps prevent inflammation
• Cibinqo, which is used in severe cases of eczema, which don’t respond to other treatments

Additional treatments may also be recommended, including:

• Prescription topical creams to control itching
• Prescription-strength oral medications to relieve itching
• Antibiotics if your symptoms are caused by a skin infection
• Oral or injectable anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroid dressings to reduce skin inflammation
• Ultraviolet or natural light therapy to eliminate patches

Want To Know More About Eczema?

To find out more about eczema management and treatment, talk with the experts. Call the dermatologists at Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery. You can reach them at:

• Tulsa, OK, by calling (918) 760-0700
• Muskogee, OK, by calling (918) 840-5276
• Broken Arrow, OK, by calling (918) 770-4599

Call today.