Serving Tucker, Decatur, Chamblee, & Brookhaven, GA
Eczema in Atlanta, GA
What are the symptoms of eczema?
Eczema typically occurs as a patch of thickened skin that’s red, scaly, and itchy with a dark rash. It’s usually noted near the creases of your arms and legs and on the face, but can also occur in other areas. It’s often referred to as “the scratch that itches” since scratching leads to more itching, redness, swelling, cracking, and blistering. It’s a very uncomfortable condition that is often mistaken for dry skin that no amount of moisturizing seems to help.
How do I know if my baby has eczema?
Signs of this condition usually occur before a baby’s first birthday and otherwise mimic the same symptoms found in adults: areas of excessively dry skin with a dark red, itchy rash that are most often spotted in the creases of the arms and legs and on the face. Some children outgrow eczema but may not if there is a strong family history of allergies, hay fever, and asthma. Dr. Hill is highly trained and experienced in pediatric skin care. She can create an effective care plan that’s designed to relieve itching and help prevent future eczema outbreaks.
What causes eczema?
Eczema is an inherited tendency and is typically associated with hay fever or asthma. It is a common immunologic disease of hyper-reactivity of the skin that affects many children and some adults. Nutrient deficiencies can also cause or worsen eczema. Certain foods such as nuts or dairy may also trigger symptoms, as can environmental factors such as smoke and pollen. The appearance and specific exacerbating factors vary from one person to another. Dr. Hill can design a specific treatment plan that will help prevent your eczema from flaring and keep your symptoms under control during a flare-up.
How do you treat eczema?
Eczema requires a specialized treatment regimen that differs according to your age and the extent of the condition. Treatment may include:
Use of a very mild soap or soap substitute that won’t dry your skin
Prescription strength moisturizer
Baths with small amount of bleach to kill bacteria found on the skin of some people with eczema
Short, tepid showers rather than very long hot showers or baths since these dry your skin
Hydrocortisone cream or ointment
Antihistamines
Corticosteroids
Ultraviolet light therapy for severe eczema