Eczema Treatment in Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Eczema is an uncomfortable skin condition that impacts patients of every age. While the exact cause of eczema isn’t known, scientists believe the immune system may play a role. People with eczema may have immune systems that are working too hard, which in turn makes their skin overreact to certain triggers and break out.
The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease. Atopic dermatitis can make the sufferer self-conscious about their appearance and even impact self-esteem. Fortunately, there are safe and effective treatment options available at Scherl Dermatology to manage this uncomfortable condition.
What is Eczema?
Eczema affects 31.6 million people in the United States, which equals more than 10% of the population. Eczema refers to an umbrella of conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed, itchy, and develop a rash-like appearance. It can begin during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood and ranges from mild to severe. Eczema is not contagious, and most children have substantial improvement in their condition by their mid-teens. For others, however, eczema is a long-lasting disease that persists into adulthood.
The Different Types of Eczema
There are seven types of eczema:
- Atopic dermatitis (the most common type)
- Contact dermatitis
- Neurodermatitis
- Dyshidrotic eczema
- Nummular eczema
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Stasis dermatitis
Each type has its own unique symptoms and triggers. By identifying your eczema, we can tailor your treatment to ensure optimal improvement in your condition.
What is the Main Cause of Eczema?
The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but studies show that those who develop eczema do so as a result of genetic factors and environmental triggers. Specifically, when a certain irritant from the inside or outside of the body triggers the immune system, it produces inflammation. It is this inflammation that causes the symptoms of the most common types of eczema to manifest. It also tends to develop in people who have allergies, such as asthma and hay fever.
Flare-ups of the itchy rash can be triggered by:
- Rough or coarse fabrics
- Cold, dry, or damp weather
- Household products/irritants like shampoo, detergent, and soap
- Animal dander
- Respiratory infections
- Sweat
- Stress
Can Eczema be Cured?
As a chronic condition, eczema cannot be cured. There are treatments, however, that are effective in controlling the itch, preventing flares, preventing infections, and healing affected skin.
For most types of eczema, managing symptoms comes down to these skincare basics:
- Being aware of triggers to avoid exposure
- Implementing a daily moisturizing and bathing routine
- Using prescription and OTC medication
Treatments for Eczema
Dermatologists will recommend a treatment plan based on the patient’s age, symptoms, and current state of health.
Over the Counter Creams
Topical corticosteroid ointments, gels, and creams are anti-inflammatory medications that are applied directly to the skin. These medications quickly relieve eczema’s primary symptoms, such as itchiness and inflammation.
Medical Dermatology Treatments
Treatments done at a dermatologist’s office may accompany topical medications to create a more effective treatment plan and achieve optimal results.
Phototherapy can help treat moderate-to-severe eczema. It is also called light therapy or ultraviolet light therapy. The narrowband phototherapy lightbox is Scherl Dermatology’s latest innovative device. It is an extremely effective tool for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. It works by:
- Reducing skin inflammation
- Promoting healing
- Slowing down the growth of skin cells
- Reducing or eliminating itch
- Boosting the skin’s bacteria-fighting functions
Doctors may also use biologics to treat eczema symptoms. These medications are designed to limit immune system response and are administered through an injection or IV. Biologics work by suppressing the specific protein that can lead to eczema flare-ups due to immune system dysfunction. One injection every two weeks can keep symptoms at bay for patients who have not seen sufficient relief with topical medications.
Eczema vs. Psoriasis
Eczema and psoriasis are like twins –they have a similar look, but they are fundamentally different skin conditions. There are also ways to tell them apart.
The biggest difference between these conditions is their underlying causes. While genetic and environmental factors play a role in developing eczema, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. This means the immune system is dysfunctional, causing the skin cells to grow too fast.
Eczema usually develops in babies or young children, but symptoms typically improve when they become adults. Adults may have eczema too, but it usually happens as a result of other conditions like hormone changes, stress, or thyroid disease. Psoriasis, on the other hand, usually manifests between ages 15 and 35. However, it can develop at other ages too. It’s rare for babies to have psoriasis.
Eczema causes the skin to become red and inflamed. It may also be scaly, oozing, or crusty. Itching can become so intense that patients often scratch enough to cause the skin to bleed. Psoriasis also causes red patches. They may appear scaly, raised, and silvery with thicker and more inflamed skin compared to eczema. Furthermore, while itching tends to be milder with psoriasis, some cases may cause a terrible burning sensation, which patients describe as similar to getting bitten by fire ants.
Eczema and psoriasis can show up anywhere on the body, but they tend to have favorite areas. Psoriasis commonly develops on the scalp, face, elbows, knees, and buttocks. Eczema occurs in these places too, but it most frequently affects the skin on the inside of the elbows and the back of the knees.
LEARN MORE AT YOUR CONSULTATION IN ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ TODAY
Eczema flare-ups can diminish your quality of life. For safe, effective eczema treatment, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
OTHER Skin Conditions
Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Although it’s common, accurate information about acne can be scarce.
Acne Cysts
An acne cyst forms when the pore fills with dead skin cells oil, and bacteria. A cyst goes deep into the skin and can hurt.
Actinic Keratosis
An actinic keratosis or AK is a rough, dry, scaly patch or growth that forms on the skin. An AK forms when the skin is badly damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or indoor tanning.
Alopecia (Hair Loss)
Millions of people experience hair loss. Some people see their hair re-grow without doing anything. Others need treatment for their hair to re-grow. Sometimes, hair will not re-grow.
Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema
This is a common skin disease in children. Children often get atopic dermatitis (AD) during their first year of life. If a child gets AD during this time, dry and scaly patches appear on the skin.
Atypical Mole (Dysplastic)
This type of mole can look like melanoma. It is not melanoma. But you have a higher risk of getting melanoma if you have certain risk factors.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. More than two million cases of this skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year.
Bed Bugs
Bedbugs are tiny insects that feed on human blood. They hide in dark places close to where humans sleep and usually crawl out to feed while people are fast asleep.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is common. It can occur at any age and for many reasons. Using a moisturizer often helps repair dry skin.
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Scherl Dermatology
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
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CONTACT US
Scherl Dermatology
140 Sylvan Ave. Suite 302,
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Same-Day Appointments Now Available
Scherl Dermatology
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