Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a medical condition that causes red and itchy skin and affects 31.6 million people in the U.S. Although the condition isn’t life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable to deal with at times. Luckily, with proper treatment, it’s possible to live a normal life with atopic dermatitis.

Symptoms

The most obvious symptom of eczema is itchy skin. Whether you have atopic dermatitis on your hands, face, or knees, the skin will almost always itch in that area. While the itching is usually mild or moderate in most people, it can become severe in some. Other common symptoms include red and inflamed skin, scaly patches, dryness, and peeling.

Causes

While experts aren’t sure of the exact cause of eczema, they believe it may be connected to an over-reactive immune system. When the immune system is triggered by a substance, it can result in inflamed skin. Common triggers for this condition include cigarette smoke, stress, hot temperatures, and allergens.

Treatments

Although there is no known cure for eczema, it can be controlled with various treatments. Topical medications that contain corticosteroids are often prescribed to control the inflammation that comes with this condition, and antihistamines may be used to reduce itching. If you have a more severe case of atopic dermatitis, your doctor may suggest applying wet dressings to the area or undergoing light therapy.

It’s also possible to reduce the number of outbreaks you have by changing some of your lifestyle habits. Moisturize your skin regularly, keep your stress to a minimum, avoid sudden changes temperatures, and don’t use harsh soaps and detergents.

If you’re dealing with eczema, turn to the professionals at Anderson Skin and Cancer Clinic in Anderson, SC, for help. The dermatologist is equipped to diagnose and treat a wide variety of skin conditions, ranging from atopic dermatitis to moles, and they truly care about helping their patients improve their skin. They pride themselves in delivering quality dermatology care in a comfortable and convenient setting. For more information about their services, call (864) 224-7577 or visit their website.