Eczema Specialist
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Allergy and Asthma Treatment Center
Allergy Specialists located in Glendale, CA
Eczema is more than a temporary skin rash. This skin condition can become a long-lasting problem that affects your quality of life and turns into a perpetual cycle of itching, scratching, and worsening inflammation. At Allergy and Asthma Treatment Center, Marine Demirjian, MD, has extensive experience treating eczema. Dr. Demirjian creates individualized treatment plans that support healthy skin and relieve your symptoms. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Glendale, California, or use the online booking feature today.
Eczema Q & A
What is eczema?
Eczema refers to a group of itchy, inflammatory skin conditions. Each type has different triggers and requires specific treatment. There are seven types of eczema:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Dyshidrotic eczema
- Nummular eczema
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Stasis dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, usually begins during an infant’s first six months. For some children, the symptoms gradually disappear as they get older. For others, the condition persists throughout adulthood.
What symptoms develop due to eczema?
Itching is the primary symptom of eczema. More than 85% of patients experience severe daily itching that interferes with their sleep.
Other symptoms include:
- Red, inflamed skin
- Small bumps that ooze and crust over
- Raw, sensitive skin
- Scaly, dry skin
- Areas of swelling
Repeated scratching leads to more skin damage and inflammation. Over time, scratching makes your skin thicken and harden.
What are common eczema triggers?
Many things can trigger an eczema flare-up, including:
- Allergens
- Stress
- Soap
- Certain foods
- Skin care products
- Cigarette smoke
- Antibacterial ointments
Letting your skin get too dry can trigger a flare, which is why you need to take care of your skin.
How is eczema related to allergies?
Atopic dermatitis frequently occurs with asthma, seasonal allergies (hay fever), and food allergies. If you have one of these conditions, chances are you’ll develop one or all of the others.
Medical experts are still learning about what causes the strong connection between eczema and allergies. However, they know that people with eczema have genetic variations that affect the skin barrier and immune system.
In addition to causing eczema, these genetic tendencies also increase your risk for allergies.
How is eczema treated?
Allergy and Asthma Treatment Center develops a comprehensive treatment plan designed to relieve your current symptoms and prevent future flare-ups. In addition to avoiding eczema triggers, your treatment plan may include:
Skin care regimen
It’s essential to protect and strengthen your skin’s outer barrier with regular applications of a moisturizer. Using gentle skin care products also prevents flare-ups caused by ingredients that irritate your skin.
Medications
You may need topical steroids to relieve inflammation or oral immunosuppressants. Patients with moderate to severe eczema may be good candidates for advanced biologic therapy. If you have allergies, immunotherapy targeting your allergen helps prevent eczema flares.
Getting treatment for eczema is the best way to stop the itching and scratching cycle that triggers ongoing eczema. To schedule an appointment, call Allergy and Asthma Treatment Center or use the online booking feature today.