Eczema, a skin condition that can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, affects more than 30 million Americans, according to the National Eczema Association. If you notice any of these early eczema symptoms, your Milpitas and Fremont, CA, dermatologists at the Center For Dermatology Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, Drs. Shurong Chang and Sunil Dhawan, can offer treatments that will relieve your discomfort.

What is eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is actually a group of skin conditions that can affect people of any age. Researchers don’t why some people are more likely to develop eczema and others. An overactive immune system coupled with exposure to allergens or irritants could be to blame for the itchy skin condition. If someone else in your family has eczema, you may be more likely to have it too.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Early symptoms of eczema can include itchy, rough and dry skin. As the flare-up worsens, the skin may become red, inflamed and swollen. Flaky patches of skin and fluid-filled blisters may also form on the skin. The blisters may eventually ooze then crust over.

What causes eczema to flare up?

An eczema flare-up can be triggered by:

• Irritants: Using heavily perfumed soap, perfumes, detergents, cleaners and other products may irritate your skin. Clothing may also affect eczema. For example, you may notice red, itchy skin after taking off a wool sweater.
• Allergens: Have you noticed that your symptoms are worse during allergy season? Your eczema symptoms might be caused or worsened by allergies to pollens, grasses or mold. Dust mite or cockroach allergies can also trigger eczema.
• Stress: Stress may also be a factor in eczema flare-ups.
• Dry Skin: You may be more likely to experience flare-ups if your skin becomes too dry. Fortunately, this trigger is easy to control by using fragrance-free moisturizers on a daily basis.

How is eczema treated?

Over-the-counter anti-itch medication can be helpful but may not be strong enough to control your symptoms. Your Milpitas and Fremont skin doctor can offer prescription creams and gels that reduce redness, itching and other symptoms and corticosteroid medications that relieve inflammation and help your skin heal. If you have stubborn or severe eczema, light therapy or an injectable biologic medication might be helpful.

Do you have any of these eczema symptoms? Schedule a visit with your dermatologists in Milpitas and Fremont, CA, Drs. Shurong Chang and Sunil Dhawan of the Center For Dermatology Cosmetic & Laser Surgery. Call (510) 797-4111 for the Fremont office or (408) 957-7676 for the Milpitas office.