Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Eczema: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Living with red, itchy, and inflamed skin can be a daily challenge. If these symptoms sound familiar, you might be experiencing eczema. While common, this skin condition can significantly impact your daily life. However, the team at Swinyer Woseth Dermatology can help you manage your skin health in Salt Lake City and South Jordan, UT. We can tailor eczema treatment plans to your needs and provide expert dermatologist advice to help you manage your symptoms. But first, review this guide to learn what atopic dermatitis is, how to recognize its symptoms, and the various treatment options available at our clinic.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that causes the skin to become inflamed, itchy, dry, and cracked. It’s not contagious, meaning you cannot catch it from someone else. The condition often appears in early childhood and can persist into adulthood, though it can develop at any age. Eczema typically occurs in cycles, with periods of flare-ups where symptoms worsen, followed by periods of remission where the skin may clear up. Managing these flare-ups is a key aspect of treatment and maintaining good skin health.

Types of Atopic Dermatitis

While eczema is often used as a general term, atopic dermatitis is the most common and severe form. However, there are several other types of eczema, each with distinct triggers and symptoms. Understanding your specific type can help you find the most effective treatment.

• Contact Dermatitis – This occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, causing a localized reaction.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema – Characterized by small blisters on the hands and feet, this type is often triggered by stress or allergens.
• Nummular Eczema – This type appears as coin-shaped patches of irritated skin and can be triggered by insect bites or dry skin.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis – This affects oily areas of the body, like the face, scalp, and chest, causing scaly patches and red skin.
• Stasis Dermatitis – This occurs when there is poor circulation in the legs, leading to swelling, redness, and itching.

What Causes Eczema?

The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not fully understood, but it’s believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Your genes can affect your skin’s ability to protect against irritants, allergens, and bacteria. This weakened skin barrier makes you more susceptible to environmental triggers. Common triggers for eczema flare-ups include:

• Dry Skin – When your skin gets too dry, it can become brittle, scaly, and tight, which can trigger a flare-up.
• Irritants – Everyday products like soaps, detergents, shampoos, and disinfectants can irritate the skin.
• Allergens – Dust mites, pets, pollen, and mold can set off symptoms.
• Stress – Emotional stress is a known trigger for many people with eczema.
• Climate and Weather – Changes in temperature or humidity can affect skin health.
• Certain Foods – In some cases, food allergies – like dairy, eggs, or nuts – can cause eczema symptoms, especially in children.

Recognizing Eczema Symptoms

Eczema symptoms can vary from person to person but generally include:

• Dry, sensitive skin
• Intense itching, especially at night
• Red to brownish-gray patches, commonly on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, chest, and inside the bends of the elbows and knees
• Small, raised bumps that may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
• Thickened, cracked, or scaly skin
• Raw, swollen skin from scratching

Recognizing these signs is the first step toward getting a proper diagnosis and beginning an effective eczema treatment plan.

Our Specialists Can Diagnose Atopic Dermatitis

Diagnosing atopic dermatitis typically involves a physical examination of the skin and a review of personal and family medical history. At Swinyer Woseth Dermatology, our specialists will ask about your symptoms, triggers, and any previous treatments you’ve tried. There’s no single test for eczema, but our dermatologists may perform patch testing or other assessments to rule out different skin conditions or identify specific allergens that could be causing your symptoms. An accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing a successful management strategy for your skin health.

Eczema Treatment and Management Options

While there’s no cure for eczema, various treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Your dermatologist will recommend a treatment plan based on your age, symptoms, and medical history.

• Topical Corticosteroids – These creams and ointments help reduce inflammation and itching.
• Moisturizers – Applying a high-quality moisturizer at least twice daily is fundamental to good skin health and can help repair the skin barrier.
• Other Topical Medications – Non-steroidal creams, such as calcineurin inhibitors, may be prescribed to help control skin inflammation.
• Oral Medications – For more severe cases, your doctor might prescribe oral corticosteroids or other medications that suppress the immune system.
• Light Therapy – Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light to reduce symptoms.
• Biologics – Newer injectable medications are available for people with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis who haven’t responded to other treatments.

Ways to Prevent Eczema in the Future

Managing eczema also involves taking proactive steps to prevent flare-ups. Simple lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference in your skin health:

• Moisturize your skin daily
• Identify and avoid your personal triggers
• Take shorter, lukewarm baths and showers
• Use gentle, non-soap cleansers
• Pat your skin dry gently after bathing
• Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton

Contact Us for Eczema Treatment Today

You don’t have to manage eczema on your own. If you’re struggling with atopic dermatitis, rely on our expert dermatologists in Salt Lake City and South Jordan. Swinyer Woseth Dermatology provides comprehensive eczema treatment options to help our patients find relief and improve their skin health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward more comfortable skin.