Eczema
Medical Dermatology & Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology in Fenton, Chesterfield and O'Fallon, MO
Eczema is a common condition that can cause areas of flaking, red, sore skin. If you or your child has eczema, visit the Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center office in Fenton, Chesterfield, or O’Fallon, Missouri, for the most effective treatments you can get. The dedicated dermatologists use advanced methods like laser therapy to reduce the symptoms of eczema. To benefit from their expertise in managing eczema, call your nearest Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center office today or book an appointment online.
Eczema affects your skin. It isn’t a single disorder but a collection of skin conditions, including nummular eczema, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and atopic dermatitis, which is the most common form.
Most people with eczema develop it in early childhood, but it sometimes affects older people too. Your Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center doctor can usually diagnose eczema after performing a physical exam. They may also do a patch skin test to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms.
Eczema can cause:
Eczema can be extremely itchy, making you scratch your skin a great deal. Scratching makes the symptoms worse, though, and you could also transfer bacteria to the damaged skin, causing an infection.
Eczema symptoms can affect any part of your body, but the face, hands, and feet are particularly common. Eczema isn’t contagious, so you can’t catch it from another person.
The exact cause of eczema isn’t clear, but patients with eczema typically have an overactive immune system. Eczema flare-ups tend to occur in response to triggers, which might include:
You’re more likely to develop eczema if other family members have it, so there could be a genetic link.
There’s no cure for eczema, but the Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center team can help you manage the condition and minimize flare-ups. Your treatment plan could include:
A healthy lifestyle improves your overall health and strengthens your skin. Your doctor can advise you on eating a better diet and other changes that could help your skin, like quitting smoking. If you know your triggers, you can also take steps to avoid them.
Skin care and moisturizing products need to be eczema-friendly to avoid triggering a flare-up. Wash regularly to remove bacteria but don’t scrub or overheat the skin.
Your skin might benefit from medicated ointment during a flare-up. Drugs that control inflammation and fight infections can also help.
Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center uses the XTRAC® excimer laser system to treat eczema. This safe, noninvasive treatment delivers a precisely targeted beam of UVB (ultraviolet B) light to skin affected by eczema. Painless XTRAC laser therapy is an in-office procedure that clears eczema patches and helps your skin heal.
To find out more about the latest treatments for eczema, call Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center today or book an appointment online.