Eczema, Dermatitis, And Skin Rash

Zand Dermatology

Dermatologist located in Mill Valley, Marin County, CA

Over 35 million Americans suffer from some variety of eczema and surprisingly 10-20% of them are children. For over 10 years, Dr. Sarvenaz Zand has been helping patients and their families in the greater San Francisco area achieve and maintain healthy skin with her personalized approach that incorporates the use of noninvasive and alternative treatments. Call Zand Dermatology in Mill Valley, Marin County, California, today or schedule an appointment online if you or someone in your family is suffering from eczema.

415-301-5000

Eczema, Dermatitis, and Skin Rash Q & A

What is eczema?

Eczema is a general term that actually refers to a set of skin conditions that often cause red, itchy, and inflamed skin. The broad term “eczema” usually refers to the more specific atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common form of eczema, which usually develops in early childhood.

Although AD affects more than 9.6 million children in the United States, it is also prevalent in adults; 4.6 million adults suffer from this condition as well.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

The symptoms of eczema look different on everyone. However, the most common signs are:

Dry, sensitive skin
Red, inflamed skin
Very bad itching
Dark-colored patches of skin
Rough, leathery, or scaly patches of skin
Oozing or crusting
Areas of swelling

You might notice all these symptoms, or you may only see one or two of them. Your condition might seem to last forever, or your symptoms could completely disappear within a week.

What causes eczema?

If someone in your family has eczema, there’s a high chance you have that predisposition too. However, everyone has different triggers that can aggravate their condition. For some, it could be perfume, detergents, and wool; for others, emotional stress and heavy sweating could cause a flare-up.

Identifying the environmental factors that trigger your eczema is the first step in managing the disease.

How is eczema treated?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent an eczema flare-up. Dr. Zand recommends:

Shower smarter, keeping the water as cool as possible and the length under 10 minutes
Moisturize regularly
Avoid the temptation to scratch
Keep the air moist with the help of a humidifier

Although there isn’t a cure for eczema, several remedies exist to help manage it. The best one for you usually depends on the severity of your condition and location on your body.

Topical steroid creams are a standard treatment for eczema. They’re a great way to jumpstart improving the itch, redness, and bumpiness of your rash. By incorporating healthy skincare habits and the use of natural moisturizers such as coconut oil, you can help retain moisture in your skin and reduce flare-ups as well.

The key to managing your condition is knowing which triggers affect your condition and how to avoid them. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Zand to discuss your symptoms and create the right treatment plan just for you. Book an appointment online or call Zand Dermatology today. We can’t wait to see you at our stunning waterfront office in southern Marin.

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