What is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that can cause the skin to be irritated, swollen, and itchy. There are several types of eczema, including some forms of dermatitis. Eczema is very common and easily treatable. Visit your skin care specialist at a Costa Mesa dermatology clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment. Doctors are unsure of the exact causes of eczema. Contact dermatitis, a common type of eczema, can be caused by overexposure to irritants, such as dishwashing liquid or battery acid. Any substance which you are allergic to can cause contact dermatitis when your skin is exposed to the allergen. Some people are allergic to poison ivy, which can cause a severe form of dermatitis. Others are allergic to nickel and may experience breakouts when touching coins, eyeglass frames, jewelry, buttons, or other common objects. Other types of eczema, such as atopic dermatitis, are not fully understood by doctors. There may be a combination of several factors that can cause this condition, including heredity or an overactive immune system. Seborrheic dermatitis is a severe form of the condition and can be affected by stress, climate, and a person's overall health. Your Costa Mesa dermatologist has more information regarding the different types of eczema and can recommend a skin care regimen that may improve your symptoms. If you think you may have eczema, you should visit your dermatologist for an evaluation. The dermatologist will take a complete medical history, including asking about your symptoms and examining your skin. He will use this information to make an accurate diagnosis of your condition. If the dermatologist feels that your eczema may be caused by an allergy, he may order a “patch” test to find out which substances you are allergic to that are causing your symptoms. Diagnosing the proper cause for the eczema is essential in determining an effective treatment course to improve your condition. If your Costa Mesa skin care specialist determines that you have eczema, he may prescribe antihistamines or topical steroids. These medications work to reduce itching and inflammation. He will also advise you to start using soap-less cleanser and a moisturizer to help combat dry skin. If you have eczema, you should never use harsh chemicals on the skin, such as perfumed soaps, fabric softeners, or harsh laundry detergents. Try buying the “allergy-free” forms of these products. Topical steroid-free drugs are also available to treat eczema. One of the most popular drugs for treating eczema is Elidel, which has been shown to help control the inflammation, itching, and redness caused by eczema. Elidel is odor-free and has very few known side effects.