Eczema: What Is It, How Do You Get It, and What You Can Do About It

Do you have red, itchy skin? Do you have regular issues with the skin on your face or arms? Are you worried about what’s happening? Are you tired of the discomfort and of the embarrassment of having red skin? At Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group, we have a host of ways to help you with this, including determining if eczema is the problem.

What is eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition. Most people know it by its most common characteristics: red, itchy, dry, scaly, or flaking skin. While it can be anywhere on the body, the most common locations include the feet, hands, arms, and face. Between 10% and 20% of infants have eczema but the majority of them will grow out of the problem by the time they’re teenagers. Some adults though will have flare-ups for the rest of their lives.

How do you get eczema?

There are actually a few different types of eczema but the most common type, atopic dermatitis is most likely inherited. It’s actually caused by an unnecessarily strong response of the immune system to specific types of irritants. This inheritable condition is most common among families that also have a history of asthma and / or allergies.

When is it time to go to a doctor about eczema?

If you have a skin problem that involves itching, and that condition comes back regularly or doesn’t responds to over-the-counter solutions like creams and lotions, then you’ll need to visit a specialist. Since this particular condition typically has an allergy-related rigger, Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group is a great choice. We can offer a wide range of health care services for patients who are dealing with eczema.

Often our first line of defense will be to test for triggers and find out if there’s one type of irritant that’s make the problem worse. For example, often time the main irritant is something like a laundry detergent or a facial soap, which can be easily replaced with something that doesn’t cause the same reaction.

Your eczema treatment options

In many cases, the biggest cause of the symptoms of eczema, namely skin that’s red, scaly, or itchy, is caused by the skin not having enough moisture. As a result, we may offer a very potent moisturizer as the first treatment option. We can work with you to select an option that’s suitable for your particular skin type and that’s most likely to give you relief.

We can also treat underlying causes, such as allergies, that may be triggering your eczema or making it worse. At Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group, we believe in a whole-body solution that will ensure you don’t just get better but that you have life-long solutions to your issues. If you’re ready to find out about your options then you’re ready to call Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500.