Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects men, women, and children. It most often occurs in people with a personal or family history of asthma or allergies. Eczema requires professional management as provided by Brundha Balaraman, MD, at ALLUSTRA DERMATOLOGY in the Heights, Houston, Texas. Call us today to set up an appointment and learn how you can manage your eczema and live comfortably. Alternatively, use this website to book online. 

What is eczema?

Eczema manifests in many different forms but most commonly appears as atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis usually affects children and, for some people, continues into adulthood. It causes red, itchy skin, and rashes. 

Eczema often shows up on your hands, inner elbows, ankles, knees, feet, neck, and around the eyes. Eczema flare-ups occur in response to the foods you eat, environmental triggers, and stress. 

What are the symptoms of eczema?

The primary symptoms of eczema include:

• Skin rashes
• Dry, itchy skin (xerosis)
• Skin that appears thickened and scaly
• Patches of red, brown, or gray skin
• Small skin bumps

Eczema usually starts as red, itchy skin and then progresses to other symptoms. It is not contagious.

What causes eczema?

Eczema occurs when your skin cannot maintain a natural moisture barrier that protects it from irritants. When these irritants directly access your skin, the irritating symptoms of eczema result. 

If you have a personal history of asthma or allergies, you’re more likely to have eczema. It usually begins in childhood, and those at most risk are female, African American, and hay fever or asthma sufferers. If you have a family history of hay fever or asthma, you’re also at risk. 

What are the other types of eczema?

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, but other forms you may experience include:

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis results when your skin comes into contact with an allergen. It shows up a lot like atopic dermatitis.

Dyshidrotic eczema 

You develop itchy blisters on your hands and feet. 

Neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus) 

This type of eczema is characterized by scaly patches of thick skin triggered by excessive scratching.

Keratosis pilaris

This skin condition isn’t necessarily eczema but usually appears on your thighs, cheeks, buttocks, or upper arms. It’s not itchy and is painless but causes rough, dry patches, and tiny bumps. 

How do you treat eczema?

Eczema does not have a cure, but flare-ups and symptoms are manageable with professional dermatological help. Dr. Balaraman helps you identify your triggers so you can avoid outbreaks. 

You may also benefit from over-the-counter and prescription-based creams, systemic or oral medications. These medications can help restore the delicate skin barrier that's otherwise depleted in eczema patients. Dr. Balaraman also helps you avoid products that may exacerbate symptoms and worsen your eczema.

Call Allustra Dermatology to set up an appointment for eczema evaluation and treatment, or use this website to book your visit online.