Though eczema often describes atopic dermatitis, the term refers to a group of chronic inflammatory skin conditions. The different types of eczema include:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Neurodermatitis
• Nummular eczema
• Seborrheic dermatitis

The underlying cause depends on the type of eczema. For example, atopic dermatitis begins when your immune system overreacts and triggers inflammation. In all types of eczema, the skin’s natural barrier breaks down, resulting in dry skin and rashes.

Atopic dermatitis, the most common type, usually begins in the first six months of a child’s life. The symptoms may improve as they get older, but for many, eczema comes and goes throughout their lifetime.

Eczema is known for causing itching that’s often intense and symptoms that flare up in response to a trigger. In addition to itching, you have one or more of the following:

• Red, inflamed skin
• Small red bumps
• Blisters that ooze and crust over
• Raw, sensitive skin
• Scaly, dry skin
• Thickened, discolored skin

Without treatment, the itching eczema causes leads to repeated scratching. The ongoing scratching causes skin damage and more inflammation, which leads to an ongoing cycle of eczema flare-ups.

Allergies often trigger an eczema flare-up. However, there are many possible triggers, including:

• Certain foods
• Stress
• Fatigue
• Soap
• Skin care products
• Cigarette smoke
• Antibacterial ointments

Dry skin and taking a bath or shower in hot water can also trigger a flare.

Your eczema treatment from DFW Asthma & Allergy Center includes:

Diligent skin care
Protecting and strengthening your skin barrier is an essential part of your eczema treatment. Your provider teaches you about the best way to care for your skin and recommends skin care products that don’t contain irritating ingredients.

The basics of skin care include frequently applying a moisturizer, using gentle cleansing products, and taking short showers using warm water.

Allergy treatment
If allergies trigger your eczema, it’s important to avoid your allergens. Getting allergy shots also helps prevent skin flare-ups.

Medications
Your provider may prescribe medications such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. If you have moderate to severe eczema that doesn’t improve with other treatments, you may be a good candidate for biologic therapy. Biologic medications reduce skin inflammation by calming your immune system.

If you develop an itchy, ongoing skin rash, call DFW Asthma & Allergy Center or book an appointment online today.