What You Need to Know About Atopic Dermatitis: Eczema

Your Atopic Dermatitis is back again. The itchy and flaky rash has reared its ugly head out of nowhere. Your best foundation barely masks the dry, itchy patch that “weeps” on your cheek. You now have to consider pairing the right cardigan as you debut your otherwise flattering summer dress.

Figuring out how to coexist with your eczema is frustrating. Not to mention it’s simply embarrassing dealing with a sudden flare-up while you’re managing the bake sale at the kids’ school.

These flare-ups may have followed you from childhood, for the past few years, or just the past few months. This long-lasting and intense form of eczema is Atopic Dermatitis. While there isn’t a known cure for Atopic Dermatitis, the targeted solutions we offer here at Brentwood Dermatology can help manage the symptoms.

What Causes Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)?

Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. Atopic describes an allergic reaction. This common form of eczema is linked to a hypersensitive immune system. When your immune system senses a threat, even if misperceived, its reaction can show up through your body’s most natural protective layer – your skin.

As for the cause of eczema, it’s not so cut and dry. Atopic Dermatitis is closely associated with allergies, hay fever, and asthma. Heredity can play a role because if these allergenic conditions run in the family, you can bet you’ll experience eczema at some point in your life.

While the direct cause of Atopic Dermatitis is unknown, allergic reactions to materials you come in contact with can cause a flare-up.

Common Triggers Include:

Scented soaps and detergents.
Certain fabric materials like wool and synthetic clothing.
Skin care products.
Allergens like pollen, mold, and pet dander.
Dry winter weather.
Hot showers and baths.
Sweating.
Stress.
Irritants like dust, sand, and smoke.
Certain foods (eggs, dairy products, wheat, soy, and nuts).

Believe it or not, stress can trigger eczema as well. The body responds to stimuli in many ways, like producing cortisol, which then affects your immune system and causes inflammation, or a flare-up, to set in.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis?

When triggered, Atopic Dermatitis can manifest in a few ways such as severe dry skin, patches of thickened skin, and rashes. Flare-ups may occur anywhere on your body and may be more pronounced in colder weather.

Other signs of eczema include rashes, redness, bumps, peeling, blisters, and cracking skin. Sometimes scratching the dry patches will cause them to ooze clear fluid, which is called “weeping” eczema, or acute Atopic Dermatitis.

Common Places Atopic Dermatitis Appears:

In or around the creases of the elbows and knees.
Around the eyes.
Nape of the neck.
Face.
Hands.
Feet.
Arms.

Your hands are especially prone to eczema flare-ups, which are hard to veil. Harsh cleansing agents and chemicals can irritate the delicate skin on the back on your hands. If you’re a hairstylist, healthcare professional, or work with cleaning products where your hands are constantly in contact with different substances, you may be prone to this type of eczema.

You shouldn’t have to drastically alter your life around this skin condition. While you can’t just eliminate your job, you can find respite in specialized treatment.

What Kind of Treatments Are There for Atopic Dermatitis?

We understand your struggle with Atopic Dermatitis because we specialize in treating this condition. Your eczema may go into remission, or long periods without flare-ups. That’s when life’s good. But when your eczema suddenly returns, Brentwood Dermatology can help get your skin back under control.

Our Board-certified dermatologists will work with you to form a customized treatment plan. Our dedication to uncompromised skincare involves cutting-edge technologies and today’s best skin practices.

Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic, long-lasting skin condition triggered by allergens, so working with a dermatologist is the best way to tackle it.

Common Treatments for Eczema Include:

Antihistamines to keep intense itching at bay.
Antibiotics for infections.
Injections or oral medication to suppress your hypersensitive immune system.
Light therapy.
Topical skin creams.

We want you to feel confident in the skin that you’re in. Schedule an appointment with Brentwood Dermatology today.

Learn More About Brentwood Dermatology.

The trusted physicians at Brentwood Dermatology can assist you with all of your general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology needs. If you would like to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, visit our website or give us a call at (615) 377-3448.