Are you or your loved one battling dermatitis? You aren’t alone. About 31 million Americans have some form of atopic dermatitis or eczema. Eczema can be acute, chronic, or a combination of both. Whatever the type, dermatitis can lower the quality of life.
Although dermatitis can’t be cured, proper management with a board-certified dermatologist in Huntington, New York, can help control it. Don’t let dermatitis prevent you from living your best life. Schedule an appointment with Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Center for proper treatment, and soon you’ll be more confident in your skin.
What is dermatitis?
Atopic eczema or dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition linked with red, dry, itchy skin. The symptoms can develop in several areas, but they are common on the elbows, knees, hands, and face. Several types of dermatitis exist, but atopic eczema is the most common. Eczema can make you itchy and dampen your confidence because of the visible symptoms.
Although eczema can affect anyone, it’s more common in infants and children because of their developing immunity. Although the exact cause of eczema isn’t known, environmental and genetic factors play a significant role. If your family has a history of eczema, you are likely to develop the condition, although the symptoms aren’t contagious. Sometimes, hormonal imbalances, high stress levels, and underlying conditions like asthma and hay fever have been linked to eczema.
How is eczema diagnosed?
Identifying your eczema’s exact type and cause is vital for effective treatment. Dr. Roger Koreen will examine your skin and inquire into your symptoms and medical history. He may suggest one or more of the following skin tests to ensure we don’t confuse eczema with other skin conditions.
- An allergy skin test
- A skin biopsy to differentiate the skin conditions you have
- Patch testing to examine how your skin reacts to different substances
- A blood test to rule out what may not be the cause of your skin condition
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New Patients: (631) 417-3300 | Existing Patients: (631) 421-4398 Book an AppointmentHow do you treat eczema?
While eczema isn’t curable, several treatments exist to manage the symptoms. Your eczema treatment depends on the cause and how your body responds to treatment. The best therapy targets the trigger, although we offer treatment to manage symptoms.
Possible treatments for eczema include:
- Improved skin care: To manage symptoms, Dr. Koreen will advise you to bathe, apply moisturizer, and be gentle on your skin. Sometimes, we can recommend “wet wrap therapy” to soothe itching and prevent flare-ups.
- Topical treatments: Topical corticosteroids, such as creams or ointments, can ease the symptoms of eczema flare-ups. They reduce inflammation, itching, and redness. Mild steroids may be used for sensitive areas, while stronger steroids are applied to more resistant regions. There are also several non-steroid topicals as well.
- Oral medications: We can prescribe oral antihistamines to reduce itching and recommend FDA-approved systemic medications for severe cases.
- Light therapy: Laser treatments like the XTRAC laser use light energy to reduce inflammation, alleviate itching, and promote healing. Lasers are particularly useful for eczema that doesn’t respond well to topical treatments. However, patients need multiple sessions for optimal results.
Take control of your skin health – schedule your appointment today!
Proper dermatological care can effectively treat atopic dermatitis. Has eczema become a challenge for you? Call (631) 417-3300 to schedule an appointment with our Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Center team.
