There can be pain, itching, inflammation, dry patches, and leaking raised bumps. It’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, unsightly, and unbearable. It’s called eczema and it can keep you from living your best life if you don’t stay proactive. Our team at Dermatology and Plastic Surgery of Arizona would like to offer you some relief from your eczema, so read on for help and hope!
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is an allergy-related condition that affects your skin’s ability to retain moisture and protect you from bacteria, irritants, and allergens. Doctors have identified 4 types of eczema, all of these having similar symptoms. It is long-lasting with periodic flare-ups which may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever. Patients with eczema may experience dry skin, red or brownish-gray patches of skin on wrists, hands, feet, ankles, neck, upper chest, eyelids, elbow bends and the back of the knees. Some patients experience small, raised bumps that leak fluid and others experience thickened, cracked, and scaly skin. Because the most common complaint is itching, the skin often becomes sensitive and swollen from too much scratching.
How Can I Treat It?
If you feel you are experiencing eczema, there are several preventative steps that you can take.
- Moisturize your skin at least twice daily, especially after a bath or show while the skin is still damp.
- Keep your baths and showers short (10-15 minutes) using warm, not hot, water.
- Use mild soaps that do not have harsh perfumes or other chemicals.
- Pat your skin dry after bathing instead of vigorous rubbing motions.
- Identify triggers and avoid them as much as possible. (sweat, stress, soaps, perfumes, dust, pollen, or foods such as dairy, eggs, nuts, weeds, wheat, etc.)
While these are great steps to take in avoiding eczema flare-ups, the best thing that you can do for your skin is to visit a dermatologist. Dr. Christopher Weyer, of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery of Arizona, is a Board Certified Dermatologist with many years of experience and incredible credentials for his work in the field of dermatology. He would love to sit down with you and create a treatment plan for your specific needs. Dr. Weyer will help you to modify your skincare routine, identify what triggers your flare-ups, find products that are gentle enough to work with your skin, and even prescribe medications and steroid creams that can more effectively treat your specific type of eczema. He will be able to accurately guide you to products, prescriptions, and/or lifestyle changes that will help you to live your best life while controlling your eczema.
Take The Next Step
It is important that you take the next step and schedule a consultation so that you can begin your journey to healthy skin. Dr. Christopher Weyer of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery of Arizona, is a Board Certified Dermatologist and a Fellowship Trained Mohs Surgeon. He would love to have you schedule a consultation with him. You can do this by calling his Tucson office at 520-207-3100 or his Sierra Vista location at 520-458-1787. You may also schedule an appointment by completing the form on this page. His offices are conveniently located at 698 East Wetmore, Suite #310 in Tucson, Arizona and 150 South Coronado Drive Suite #110 in Sierra Vista, Arizona.