What Type of Eczema Do You Have?

Did you know that eczema is the number one reason people visit the dermatologist? With over 30 million people in the United States suffering from eczema, it’s one of the most common skin conditions of our time. Even though it may not be a rare skin disease, eczema can still be incredibly uncomfortable and embarrassing for those who have it. As the winter months approach, many people will start to suffer from dry skin, but how does eczema differ from dry skin?

Eczema (aka atopic dermatitis), is a condition when the skin’s barrier does not do a sufficient job of protecting the dermis and the other underlying tissues from irritants. This leads to inflammation and itchiness. People with eczema have very itchy skin that they then scratch, which leads to the eczema rash. The itch-scratch-rash cycle can be extremely frustrating and difficult to manage.

What Type of Eczema do you have?

While all types of eczema can appear red and inflamed with scaly patches, there are different forms that will look different, depending on where it presents on the body.  The most common forms of eczema are:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Dyshidtoric eczema: Blisters on the hands and feet
• Hand eczema
• Nummular eczema: Coin shaped scales, which are very hard to treat

Top Eczema Tip: Don’t Scratch!

We know this is easier said than done, but if you don’t scratch the itch, then the rash associated with eczema will never present. Eczema is characterized by itchy skin. It’s when you actually scratch the skin that the rash forms. Scratching your skin is harmful for many reasons, including:

• Scratching physically damages the skin’s barrier, giving allergens and irritants easy access into the skin.
• It releases further itch chemicals, leading to even more itchiness.
• Scratching is only a temporary fix for itchiness.
• Scratching creates a vicious cycle of itch-scratch-rash.
• The more you scratch, the more itch receptors you’re creating in that area of your skin.

The Best Treatments for Eczema in NYC

The only way to stop the itch associated with eczema is by receiving the proper eczema treatment. The best thing you can do for your skin if you have eczema is to treat it holistically. This means knowing what triggers your eczema and avoiding it. You will also need to treat eczema in NYC with anti-inflammatory therapies, which is where a visit to the dermatologist will help exponentially.

With the proper treatment from a NYC dermatologist, which may include prescription ointments, oral medications or antihistamines, you can overcome  your eczema and put an end to the itching.