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Eczema
Eczema affects around 30% of Americans. It’s an itchy and miserable issue that usually grows worse if you don’t take the right steps to reduce flare-ups. At Plateroti Dermatology in Templeton, California, Carmelo Plateroti, DO, FAOCD, FAAD, and his team prescribe effective eczema treatment to help you reduce your flare-ups so you can feel comfortable again. Use online scheduling or book your appointment by phone today.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a group of skin conditions that cause problems such as swelling, inflammation, itchiness, and red skin.
By far the most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which tends to develop in children and often goes away in adulthood. Atopic dermatitis typically occurs in flare-ups that include intensely itchy, red, flaky, and patchy skin. It sometimes grows so severe that skin cracks open to ooze and bleed.
Other forms of eczema include:
- Contact dermatitis: skin inflammation and irritation after exposure to a skin allergen
- Dyshidrotic eczema: small fluid-filled blisters on fingers, hands, and soles of feet
- Nummular eczema: coin-shaped lesions, often on arms and legs
- Seborrheic dermatitis: scales, patches, and sometimes dandruff, usually on the scalp
- Stasis dermatitis: fluid retention in the lower legs causes skin inflammation
Eczema is a chronic condition, but it doesn’t have to make life miserable through help from an experienced dermatologist like Carmelo Plateroti, DO, FAOCD, FAAD, at Plateroti Dermatology.
What causes eczema flare-ups?
Eczema symptoms develop during flare-ups. Flare-ups can be quite frequent or fairly rare, depending on your situation and triggers. Some of the most common eczema triggers are environmental, with culprits often including the following:
- Prolonged time in water
- Extreme temperatures
- Wearing rough fabrics, such as wool
- Humid environment
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Heavy perspiration
- Soap, detergent, household cleaners, or other products with artificial additives
Some eczema sufferers have flare-ups triggered by stress or other heightened emotions.
How is eczema treated?
Dr. Plateroti creates a custom eczema treatment for you. Part of your treatment includes identifying your flare-up triggers, and then minimizing your exposure. For example, you may need to switch to additive-free laundry detergents.
Treating flare-ups is unique to each person. Some of your treatment options may include:
- Topical creams: corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or PDE4 inhibitors
- Phototherapy: brief periods of UV light exposure
- Immunosuppressants: oral or injected medication to suppresses immune system function
- Biologic medication: injections of Dupixent® make DNA changes to prevent immune system overreactions
Dr. Plateroti may also recommend lukewarm baths, bleach baths, daily heavy moisturizers, or other lifestyle changes to help you or your child cope with eczema comfortably and successfully.