Eczema… What Is It? What Are My Treatment Options?

Itchy, rashy, and uncomfortable… If you’ve struggled with eczema, you know this condition isn’t a pleasant one. About 15 million people in the U.S. suffer from some type of eczema. In babies, the condition is especially common affecting 10-20 percent of all infants. Don’t suffer in silence. Come see Dr. Matarasso. There are treatment options available.

What is Eczema?

Eczema comes from the Greek word “ekzein” which means “to boil”. It is a dry skin condition that causes patches of dry, scaly, red, itchy, blistered skin. It can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing, but luckily it isn’t contagious. You don’t need to worry about catching eczema from other people.

Because eczema is very itchy, people tend to scratch and pick at it which can lead to further problems. Scratching damages the skin and leaves it open to infection. It can also cause the skin to crack and bleed.

What Are My Treatment Options?

If you have eczema, you do have treatment options. Dr. Matarasso regularly helps people with this condition to look and feel better. Let’s take a quick look at some potential treatment options:

• Lifestyle Changes: Some lifestyle factors may trigger eczema outbreaks. These include rough objects touching the skin, excessive heat, sweating, soaps and detergents, some fruit and meat juices, dust mites, animal allergies, stress, and infections. Dr. Matarasso can work with you to pinpoint some of your eczema triggers to reduce their impact on your condition.
• Stop Scratching: Eczema may itch, but avoiding the urge is very important. Itching can make your eczema much worse.
• Moisturizing: Moisturizing lotions and creams can help eczema. Choose a mild product and apply each day after cleansing. Use gentle soaps and cleansers on your skin.
• Anti-Inflammatory Creams: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory treatments (including corticosteroid creams) may help mild to moderate cases of eczema.
• Prescription Treatments: If lifestyle and over-the-counter treatment options aren’t sufficient, Dr. Matarasso may prescribe prescription treatments including corticosteroids, antibiotics, and/or antihistamines.
• Phototherapy: Phototherapy, a common skin treatment that utilizes light, is often used to reduce eczema rashes.

If you have eczema, come see Dr. Matarasso. He’ll work with you to find solutions for that pesky, uncomfortable rash. Call us today and schedule your appointment.