If you’re experiencing persistent dry, itchy patches of skin, you’re not alone. At Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology, our experienced dermatology providers specialize in diagnosing and treating eczema, helping patients of all ages find relief from this common but challenging skin condition
What Is Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, and intense itching. It affects millions of Americans, making it one of the most common skin conditions.
Eczema can develop at any age. However, it most often begins in childhood, with many people experiencing their first symptoms before age five.
If you are experiencing symptoms of eczema, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your provider at Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology.
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema often develops due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with eczema have an overactive immune system.
This causes an immune response that is too aggressive, leading to inflammation. People with eczema also typically have a weakened skin barrier that struggles to retain moisture and protect against irritants.
Some common triggers include:
- Allergens like pollen, dust mites, and certain foods
- Stress and hormonal changes
- Synthetic fabrics and wool
- Strong fragrances and chemicals in personal care products
What Does Eczema Look Like?
Eczema can appear differently depending on your age and skin tone. On lighter skin, eczema typically looks red and inflamed and may appear brown or grayish after healing.
On darker skin, eczema patches can appear darker brown, purple, or ash gray. The affected areas are usually dry, thickened, and scaly, with small, raised bumps that might ooze or crust over when scratched.
Here are some of the most common areas where eczema appears:
- In children, eczema typically appears on the face, scalp, inside of elbows, behind knees.
- In adults, eczema typically appears on the neck, hands, inner elbows, behind knees, ankles.
- Some people may experience eczema on their eyelids or around their lips.
Is it Eczema or Dry Skin?
While dry skin and eczema share some similarities, there are key differences. Dry skin typically improves with regular moisturizing and rarely itches intensely.
Eczema, on the other hand, causes intense itching that often worsens at night and creates a persistent itch-scratch cycle. Eczema patches are also more inflamed and can become thick and leathery over time.
This is a condition called lichenification. If you’re unsure whether you have dry skin or eczema, the dermatologists and physician assistants at Calkin & Boudreaux can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to improve your symptoms.
Eczema Treatment
While there’s no cure for eczema, effective treatment focuses on identifying and eliminating triggers while managing symptoms. The first step is always to identify and stop contact with potential irritants or allergens that may be causing flare-ups.
At Calkin & Boudreaux, our treatment approach typically includes:
Identifying and Avoiding Triggers
Your doctor will help you identify specific substances or conditions that trigger your eczema and develop strategies to avoid them.
Topical Medications
Once triggers are identified, we often prescribe:
- Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Barrier repair moisturizers
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors for sensitive areas
- Newer prescription medications for resistant cases
Skin Care Routine
Proper skin care is essential:
- Gentle cleansing with fragrance-free products
- Regular moisturizing, especially after bathing
- Using lukewarm (not hot) water
- Maintaining healthy humidity levels at home
For severe cases that don’t respond to initial treatments, we may recommend oral medications or biologics. Regular follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your progress and adjust treatments as needed.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of eczema, schedule an appointment with one of the experienced providers at Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology. Early intervention can help prevent flare-ups and minimize the condition’s impact on your daily life