Eczema

Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches

Dermatologists servicing the areas of Atlantis, FL, Delray Beach, FL, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Trinity, FL, Wellington, FL & West Palm Beach, FL, New Port Richey, FL, Odessa, FL, Lutz, FL, Land O'Lakes, FL, Wesley Chapel, FL, & Tampa, FL

If you’re itchy, embarrassed, and uncomfortable because of red, inflamed eczema patches, you’re not alone. About 30 million other women, men, and children in the United States suffer from eczema, according to the National Eczema Association. The team at Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches, with locations in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Atlantis, Wellington, Delray Beach, and Trinity, Florida, can help you get relief from your eczema so you can feel like yourself again. For custom-designed treatments, call your nearest office or book an appointment online.

Eczema Q & A

What is eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that’s characterized by red, inflamed, itchy skin. Even though eczema looks contagious, it’s not. You may have more than one type of eczema at any given time, including:

Allergic contact dermatitis

You may develop contact dermatitis if your skin is sensitive to chemicals or solvents in skin care products, or to irritants, such as wool.   

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis tends to run in families, often developing in childhood. It usually affects the areas in front of the elbows and behind the knees. If you have atopic dermatitis, you may also have allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or asthma.

Dyshidrotic eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by small, itchy blisters that appear on the edges of your fingers, palms, toes, and soles of your feet.

Nummular eczema

The itchy, coin-shaped lesions of nummular eczema are difficult to treat. Your provider may recommend combination therapy to give you relief.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis appears as dry flakes on oily regions of your skin, such as your upper back and nose. When you have seborrheic dermatitis on your scalp, it’s referred to as dandruff.

Stasis dermatitis 

Poor circulation in the veins in your lower legs causes fluid leakage, swelling, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Anyone can get eczema at any age. Kids under the age of 10 usually grow out of it. 

What are some eczema symptoms?

Eczema’s symptoms are similar to those of other skin conditions, which is why getting a diagnosis is important. Some symptoms of eczema include:

  • Rash
  • Scaly, cracked skin
  • Itchy skin
  • Crusty flakes
  • Yellow or white flakes
  • Oozing or crusted blisters or sores
  • Pain

The team at Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches takes a complete medical history and conducts a thorough skin exam to determine the type or types of eczema you have. They then customize a treatment plan based on your needs.

How do dermatologists treat eczema?

Depending on how severe your eczema is, they may first recommend lifestyle changes, including identifying and avoiding triggers such as irritants, allergens, and drastic temperature changes. 

Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches may also recommend chemical-free skin moisturizers to keep you comfortable. Other treatments include:

  • Stress management techniques
  • Antibiotics for skin infections
  • Medicated shampoos
  • Topical hydrocortisone or corticosteroids for inflammation
  • Tar treatments and antihistamines to control itching
  • Antibiotics to kill allergy-triggering bacteria  
  • Antihistamines to relieve itching
  • Topical calcineurin inhibitors

You don’t have to hide your eczema or scratch in frustration. For a diagnosis and customized treatment, call the helpful team at Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches or use the online form.