Eczema in Wesley Chapel, FL
What is eczema?
Eczema is not just one condition, but a group of conditions that result in skin itchiness and inflammation. These include:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Dyshidrotic eczema
- Nummular eczema
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Stasis dermatitis
Atopic and contact dermatitis are the most common types. But, each condition can look slightly different, have separate causes, and concentrate in varying areas of the body.
What are the symptoms of eczema?
Eczema can look different depending on the person and the type. It most often affects children and babies, but adults can have symptoms too. One of the telltale signs is itchy patches of skin that vary in sensitivity, from mild to intense. Other possible symptoms include:
- Red, inflamed skin
- Dark colored patches of skin or leathery, scaly patches
- Oozing sores and swollen patches
Symptoms may come and go. They often flare up due to certain triggers and may seem to resolve periodically. If you are bothered by any of these symptoms, however, it’s a good idea to visit Dr. Tadicherla to be diagnosed and get treatment for flare-ups.
Where does eczema occur?
Eczema can affect almost any part of your body. Most commonly, it occurs on the face, back of the knees, hands, feet, or wrists. If you have a darker complexion, eczema may also change the pigment of your skin – making the area appear lighter or darker.
What causes eczema?
A number of issues can cause eczema. It’s usually a combination of genes and environmental triggers. Eczema is not contagious. Something stimulates your immune system to react abnormally, resulting in a flare-up. Common causes of contact dermatitis, which can be traced to contact with a specific trigger, include:
- Soaps and detergents
- Industrial chemicals
- Animal dander or pollens
- Paints
- Certain foods
Even changes in the weather can affect eczema symptoms.
How is eczema treated?
Dr. Tadicherla offers treatment depending on the cause and type of eczema it’s determined you have. You may do well with over-the-counter remedies or need prescription topical medications. In some cases, phototherapy, biologic drugs, and immune-suppressing drugs are required.
At-home therapies include avoidance of known triggers and daily moisturizing strategies.