Posted by Chelsea Harris & filed under .

Understanding EczemaI have dry, sensitive skin. Could it be eczema? It’s estimated that over 30 million Americans may experience eczema, a chronic, dry skin condition that results in an itchy, red rash. Eczema, also called Atopic Dermatitis, usually develops in childhood, and generally becomes less severe into adulthood. There are several different types of eczema, so if you think you or your child may be suffering from it, visit a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. The best way to manage your eczema is to keep your skin frequently moisturized and to know and avoid your triggers.  A large amount of factors can spark an eczema outbreak—including everything from pollen and pets to hormonal changes and seasonal shifts, especially extremes of hot and cold weather. If a particular skin allergen is suspected, your dermatologist can perform patch testing to see what may be causing your rash. During the test, several small patches containing the allergens are applied to the back for 48 hours and then removed and evaluated based on your skin’s reaction. Common treatments for eczema include moisturizers, topical anti-inflammatory steroid creams and ointments and non-steroid topical creams to help calm the redness and itching in the skin, and prescription emollients which help provide a better barrier to protect and retain moisture in the skin.   Click to book online