Do I Have Eczema?

How your dermatologist in San Antonio, Texas can help you get relief from eczema

Eczema can be annoying, and it is also common. If you have an itchy, scaly rash that never seems to go away, you could have eczema. Dr. Jean-Denis Boucher at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic, offers comprehensive skincare solutions, including treatment for eczema. He has two convenient office locations in San Antonio, Texas to help you get relief from eczema.

So, how do you know if you have eczema? There are some common signs and symptoms to look out for, including:

• Reddish-brown patches showing up on your scalp, face, elbows, chest, knees, ankles, and feet
• Frequent, severe itching which can get worse at night
• Swollen, inflamed, red, raw areas of skin
• Dry, cracked, or scaly patches of skin in different areas of your body
• Bumps on your skin that drain fluid and then develop a crust later

Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis, and it has several causes, including:

• Environmental factors like chemical exposure
• Allergic reactions and chronic dry skin
• Genetic factors and a family history of eczema
• Immune system problems

Eczema affects both children and adults, but it is more common in children, especially in children under five. Eventually, it can develop into a chronic skin problem and can flare up intermittently.

If you or a child or family member suffers from eczema, you can try a few simple things at home, including:

• Taking over-the-counter oral or topical antihistamine medications
• Applying calamine lotion to irritated, itching skin
• Applying moisturizer after you take a shower
• Placing cool, wet bandages or dressings on affected areas
• Taking daily oatmeal or baking soda baths
• Wearing cool, loose, breathable clothing

Moderate to severe cases of eczema call for treatment by your dermatologist. At Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic, Dr. Boucher may recommend:

• Prescription-strength topical and oral antihistamine medications to stop itching
• Antibiotic medications to get rid of any underlying infection
• Injectable or oral anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
• Corticosteroid dressings to reduce swelling and inflammation
• Light therapy to reduce or eliminate eczema patches

Eczema can be annoying, embarrassing, and uncomfortable, but you can get relief. Call Dr.Jean-Denis Boucher of Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic, in San Antonio, Texas