Commonwealth Dermatology, Richmond, VA

804.282.0831

7001 Forest Ave, Ste 400, Richmond, VA 23230
  • About
    • Mission & Values
    • Insurance
    • Forms
    • Job Openings
  • Providers
    • Provider Biographies
  • Services
  • Pediatrics Dermatology
  • Functional Medicine
  • Aesthetics
    • Aesthetics Services
    • Aesthetics Providers
    • Skincare Products
    • Lasers
  • News
  • Contact
  • Specials
  • PORTAL
home > Allergies & Itchy Skin > Eczema > Latest News > Skin Eczema Facts

Eczema Facts

March 8, 2017 By Com Derm

The American Academy of Dermatology has compiled some facts and stats on Eczema (also known as dermatitis), along with some common causes and treatments. See a board certified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment of any skin condition you are unsure of.

Eczema

  • Rashes (also known as dermatitis or eczema) have many causes, including allergic reactions, friction, prolonged exposure to heat and moisture, or contact with irritants, such as harsh chemicals.
  • See your dermatologist for the successful diagnosis and treatment of eczema.

Allergic contact dermatitis

  • The itching and blistering of allergic contact dermatitis can occur after contact with an allergen, a substance that causes an allergic reaction. These reactions typically appear within a few days of exposure.
  • Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are the most common causes of allergic reactions in the United States. Each year, millions of Americans will be affected by contact with these poisonous plants.
  • Other common causes of allergic contact dermatitis include metals (such as nickel), rubber, dyes, cosmetics, preservatives and fragrances.
  • Treatment to relieve symptoms includes identification and removal of potential allergens to prevent future reactions. Corticosteroids and topical immunomodulators (tacrolimus or pimecrolimus) may be prescribed to reduce symptoms. Additional treatment options are available for recurrent/persistent forms of allergic contact dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis

  • Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, is frequently described as “the itch that rashes.” It is characterized by patches of dry, red skin that may have scales and/or crust. Often, there is intense itchiness, accompanied by the desire to scratch.
  • Eczema usually occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees and ankles.
  • Approximately 10 to 20 percent of children age 10 and younger in the United States develop atopic dermatitis, as do 1 to 3 percent of adults across the world.1-3 In the United States alone, atopic dermatitis affects at least 28 million people of all ages.4
  • An estimated 60 percent of people with this condition develop it in their first year of life, and 90 percent develop it before age 5.5 However, atopic dermatitis can begin during puberty or later.
  • While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, most cases can be controlled with proper treatment. The goals of treatment are to keep the skin moist, reduce inflammation and the risk of infection, and minimize the itch associated with the rash.
  • Effective treatment often requires a multifaceted approach that includes medication, proper skin care, trigger avoidance and coping mechanisms.
  • Treatment to relieve symptoms may include:
    • Moisturizers to help relieve dry skin.
    • Cold compresses applied directly to the skin to help relieve the itch.
    • Corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation.
    • Topical calcineurin inhibitors to help reduce inflammation.
    • Short-term, intermittent use of sedative antihistamines to help the patient get a good night’s sleep.
    • Non-sedating antihistamines during the day, if needed.
    • Phototherapy or immune-suppressing oral medications to help relieve moderate to severe cases that do not respond to other therapies.

Link to original article: 

Filed Under: Allergies & Itchy Skin, Eczema, Latest News, Skin

Patient Forms & Insurance
May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May 1, 2017

The physicians at Commonwealth Dermatology encourage everyone to make both self-skin exams and … Read More

Itchy Skin Tips

April 19, 2017

Do you suffer from itchy skin that is considered a "chronic itch"? (lasting longer than 6 weeks)? … Read More

Resource Library

Awards

Get Social


Patient Portal
Pay your bill, fill out forms online, get medical records, make appointments and send a message.

Providers
Learn more about the experienced providers at ComDerm.

Pediatrics
Meet two of the few Board-Certified Pediatric Dermatologists in Central Virginia.

Aesthetics
Our Center for Healthy Skin will keep you looking and feeling your best.

Book Your Appointments

To serve our patients better, all of our physicians and nurse practitioners are now accepting new patients. And we are making more
appointments available so you can get seen even faster without waiting.

Request Appointment Or Call
804.282.0831

Latest News

May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May 1, 2017

The physicians at Commonwealth Dermatology encourage everyone to make both self-skin exams and … Read More

Spring 40% Off Close Out Sale

Spring 40% Off Close Out Sale

March 28, 2017

Jane Iredale Product Close Out Sale. 40% off all remaining products in … Read More

Hand Eczema: Dry Painful Hands

January 25, 2017

Winter can be very brutal on your hands! Exposure to the cold, wind, … Read More

Contact

7001 Forest Ave, Ste 400,
Richmond, VA 23230


Phone : 804.282.0831
Fax : 804-288-7135

Commonwealth Dermatology © 2016 | HIPAA | Privacy Policy | Marketing by Impression Marketing

MENU
  • About
    • Mission & Values
    • Insurance
    • Forms
    • Job Openings
  • Providers
    • Provider Biographies
  • Services
  • Pediatrics Dermatology
  • Functional Medicine
  • Aesthetics
    • Aesthetics Services
    • Aesthetics Providers
    • Skincare Products
    • Lasers
  • News
  • Contact
  • Specials
  • PORTAL