When your skin is itchy and irritated, it can affect your overall sense of health and wellness. When eczema is the cause of your skin problems, the team at Annandale Primary Care in Annandale, Virginia, is experienced at creating a personalized plan of care that works for you. For a consultation regarding your eczema, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes your skin to be itchy and irritated. Around 15 million Americans, most of which are children, suffer from this condition.
Eczema is a problem with the outermost layer of skin, which is responsible for protecting the body from outside exposure to damaging elements. When this layer of skin is damaged, it loses moisture and becomes irritated and hypersensitive to environmental factors.
Long-term complications of eczema may be skin infections, scarring, sleep disturbances, and loss of confidence. Treatment is sometimes difficult, but is possible with proper support.
Symptoms of eczema often begin in childhood. They may improve as a child ages, but can last until or worsen in adulthood.
Symptoms of eczema include skin that is:
Symptoms often occur in patches, and can worsen or improve over time. Areas that are often affected by this condition are elbows, hands, scalp, and behind the knees, but eczema can affect skin anywhere on the body.
A number of factors can make your eczema symptoms worse or cause a flare-up. These triggers are different for every patient, but common causes of worsening symptoms are:
Being able to identify what causes your symptoms to worsen is a significant part of effectively treating your eczema.
Eczema is a chronic condition that can’t be cured. Its symptoms can be managed, however, with proper treatment.
One of the best approaches to long-term management of your eczema is the prevention of exposure to irritants. Limiting your use of certain detergents, skin products, or identified triggers can help reduce your symptoms.
Other possible treatments may include:
The team at Annandale Primary Care can help you figure out your triggers and develop a customized plan that works well for you.
If you would like to discuss your eczema symptoms, call the office or book an appointment online today.
