Eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition that affects more than 30 million Americans. Though there are many types of eczema, they all cause uncomfortable symptoms that affect appearance and quality of life. Frank Samarin, MD, and the team at Mountaintop Dermatology in Colorado Springs, Colorado, take a patient-centered approach to treating eczema. The practice develops personalized care plans that alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. To schedule an evaluation for your eczema, contact the office by phone or online today.

What is eczema?

Eczema is a general term for a group of skin conditions that cause red, itchy, inflamed skin. Although it can develop at any age, it most often appears during infancy and childhood. 

In infants, the skin rash often affects the cheeks, elbows, and knees, while adults tend to develop an itchy, red rash inside the knees and elbows.

What are the types of eczema?

There are several types of eczema. The types include:

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema that occurs from an overreaction of the immune system to an irritant inside or outside the body. It’s not uncommon for children with asthma and allergies to also develop atopic dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that causes a skin rash when your skin comes in direct contact with an irritant, such as a detergent, skin product, or wool.

Dyshidrotic eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema causes small, itchy bumps on your hands or feet. Stress, allergies, and moisture may trigger this type of eczema.

Nummular eczema

Nummular eczema causes circular, itchy bumps on the skin. It’s a common type of eczema, but difficult to treat. Insect bites and dry winter weather may cause nummular eczema

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic type of eczema that affects areas of skin with many sebaceous glands, including the back, nose, and scalp. Genetics and hormones may play a role in the development of this type of eczema. 

Stasis dermatitis

Insufficient blood flow through your veins causes stasis dermatitis. 

What happens during an eczema evaluation?

Mountaintop Dermatology takes a patient-focused approach to care and conducts comprehensive evaluations when you come to the office with concerns about eczema. Your dermatologist asks detailed questions about your symptoms, and medical and family history and then examines your skin.

Though your dermatologist can diagnose eczema during your evaluation, they may perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

How is eczema treated?

Mountaintop Dermatology develops individualized treatment plans for eczema based on the type and severity of symptoms. Your treatment plan may include:

• Moisturizers
• Skin dressings
• Anti-itch lotions
• Corticosteroid lotions or oral medications
• Tar compounds
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Topical immunomodulators 

Mountaintop Dermatology schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your skin and adjust your treatment plan as needed. They recommend you continue to follow the recommended skin regimen even after your eczema has cleared up. 

For comprehensive eczema care, call Mountaintop Dermatology to schedule an appointment or reach out online.