Eczema Affects Children and Adults
When dry spots appear on the skin, most people do not think twice about it. If it doesn’t take much effort, they may put some lotion they already have over the area. However, when these dry spots persist and turn red and patchy, it is best to visit a local dermatologist who can determine if these irritations are eczema or some other skin condition. When it comes to your skin, which happens to be the largest organ of the human body, when dealing with sudden changes in the skin, it is best to have a professional take a look.
Adults Deal with Eczema
Did you know eczema can make some people so self-conscious that they completely cover up or avoid going out at all? The skin’s appearance significantly affects self-confidence, and seeing a dermatologist can mitigate the condition. Often, eczema in adults is a reaction to something in the diet or the environment. If you experience sudden dry spots, consider what new things have been introduced into your lifestyle in the last week or two. All professionals will ask questions about lifestyle changes, and often this can pinpoint why there is a new reaction.
Eczema in Children Typically Appears Before Five Years Old
Most children experience eczema before they are in school. Eczema areas typically appear on the face but can occur behind the knees or in other places on the body. Although it can be something as simple as a detergent, soap, or food allergy, most parents do not think much about it at first. If your child is suffering from eczema, and it is disrupting their activity or creating habits of scratching, not addressing it may cause infection.
Causes of Eczema
Many things can cause eczema. Although some people say it is stress, others may react to an insect bite, smoke, or even jewelry. Detergents and chemicals can trigger eczema breakouts on the skin.
One of the most critical things that anyone can do who is suffering from eczema is to go back to ground zero and take out things that may be triggers. For example, if you just started using a new laundry detergent, return to the kind you used before or choose a milder product. Sometimes it can be something new in the diet. Although most adults know what they are allergic to, be it seafood or nuts, new foods or ingredients may trigger eczema. When visiting a reputable dermatologist, they are experts at asking the right questions and determining what is causing the eczema breakout. What can only be done by a professional is to find topical creams and solutions that work fast but may require a prescription. An experienced and professional dermatologist works with clients to find affordable skincare solutions.
There are several diagnoses for eczema, and although most people don’t know the difference, there are some significant signs of those that require more immediate treatment and will likely not go away on their own.
Eczema That Needs Professional Attention
Contact dermatitis is one of the most concerning types of eczema and should be checked out by a licensed dermatologist. Often a result of being exposed to an irritant, things like contact with Poison Ivy can trigger agitating, blistering, and oozing sores. Since the itch can be unbearable in these situations, getting someone to look at the skin and help diagnose whether or not it is eczema helps take the guesswork out of skin irritations. Another type of eczema is dyshidrotic and shows up as blisters on the hands and feet and can quickly get infected when the blisters rupture. Neurodermatitis has to do with the neuro system and is often triggered by extreme or continued stress. This form of eczema can also be caused by constant irritation of an area. Athletes may experience this eczema due to continued wearing protective gear that fits tightly.
In some extreme eczema cases, where the skin is infected, or the damage to the skin’s surface may cause scarring, steroids may be prescribed by an eczema specialist to control itching and allow the skin to heal. Other dermatology treatments may help with scarring or the appearance of eczema areas on the skin.
When dry, red patches appear on the skin, instead of waiting to see what happens, make an appointment with a local dermatologist. Seeking advice from a skincare professional from the onset saves time and money and gets results faster. Since eczema is not dangerous or contagious, knowing provides peace of mind to those dealing with the symptoms.
However, in children and adults, it is best to seek a dermatologist who can diagnose the condition and suggest treating any discomfort and eczema spots on the skin.
Dermatology is becoming more common as insurance companies start including this service as preventative, especially annual skin cancer screenings. When looking for a dermatologist, and the visit is preventive, your insurance may cover some or all the cost. Find a dermatology office that takes your insurance whenever possible. Buckhead Dermatology has an extensive list of accepted insurances.