If you are among the estimated 2
million Americans with dry and itchy skin with scaly red patches you might be a
patient of the chronic inflammatory skin disease called eczema. So you would
want to know about the various symptoms and causes of the disease to prevent or
restrict them from affecting your health. Before going into the details of the
chronic ailments, you should know what the disease is all about and how a skin
specialist can help you in combating such problems.
What is Eczema and what are its symptoms?
Eczema is a medical condition
that causes the skin to get inflamed or irritated. Formally referred to as
atopic dermatitis, it begins as itchy, red patches on the skin, especially on
the cheeks, chin and chest areas. It gradually shows up as raised tiny blisters
containing fluid with elevated plaques. The skin oozes fluid when the blisters
break. In babies, the occurrence of such red patch can be observed on the face
and scalp, the rear side of the elbows and the front of the knees.
Most people develop such
condition of atopic dermatitis before the age of 5 years. Most people who
develop such condition at an early stage of their childhood continue to
experience the symptoms also at a later stage of their life. The symptoms vary
depending on the age of the person experiencing such issues. While there are
some home remedies to cure and prevent the further spread of such skin ailment,
it is better to consult an Eczema Specialist in Queens to
have it attended by a professional medical practitioner.
Role of a medical practitioner in eczema treatment
The key to staying healthy while
having eczema is to keep the symptoms at bay. Most type of eczema
treatment requires few basic at-home treatments like regular bathing and
moisturizing the skin, knowing the causes that trigger such occurrence, and
taking necessary OTC medications to prevent the spread of such diseases.
i)
If the doctor finds that over-the-counter
medication like hydrocortisone and antihistamines are not sufficient for your
treatment then he might prescribe medicine containing corticosteroids to be
taken by mouth. Make sure you follow the instructions of the doctor carefully
for getting the best results.
ii) Ultraviolet
light therapy is advised when the skin condition has become severe.
iii) While
prescribing medicine like cyclosporine, methotrexate or azathioprine the doctor
makes sure they properly work on your immune system. Alongside, prescription
ointments and creams are also required to be used for controlling the
inflammation and reducing the reaction to the immune system.
iv) For
moderate to severe eczema skin conditions, injectables are prescribed that
helps in controlling the inflammatory response by the body. This medicine is
generally prescribed to be used after every two weeks and that too only for
adults.
Few basic facts about eczema
There are several myths and
misconceptions surrounding this chronic skin ailment. Every person suffering
from atopic dermatitis should know the following –
·
Eczema is not a contagious disease.
·
Not all eczema treatments are suitable for
everyone.
·
Steroid creams are not always the solution.
·
Know the side-effects of a DIY treatment before
considering it as a solution.
·
Eczema can be hereditary but can be restricted
if proper precautionary measures are taken on time.
·
Keep your skin moisturized all the time.
·
Do not repeat medicine prescribed the doctor if
the symptoms tend to recur with proper doctor’s consultation.
·
It is not incurable but takes a lot of time and
patience to keep it under control.
Fret not! Book an appointment
with a reputed eczema clinic in New York
and get your skin problem treated at the earliest.
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