One of the most common skin conditions in children and adults is eczema. Also referred to as atopic dermatitis, eczema affects about 90% of people before the age of five. It affects about 30 million American adults today. There are several different types of eczema such as atopic, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic eczema, and stasis eczema. These different kinds all have different triggers and various symptoms. A good example of another form of dermatitis is an allergic rash. This is known as contact dermatitis. It happens when you encounter an allergen trigger. By speaking with Dr. Krathen at Essential Dermatology, he can diagnose your eczema and start a treatment plan.
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema is caused by a range of things. Researchers have found that people who get this skin condition often have family members with it as well as having asthma or hay fever. By speaking with a dermatologist like Dr. Krathen, he can help to diagnose the type of eczema you have and find the root cause in order to start treatment. It is important to remember that this is not contagious, and you cannot get it through contact with someone who has eczema.
Symptoms of Eczema
- Dry, sensitive skin
- Itching
- Red, inflamed skin
- Dark-colored patches on the skin
- Areas of swelling
- Oozing or crusting
- Rough, leathery patches of skin
Treatments for Eczema
There is no cure for eczema, but it can be managed with treatment. Remedies will vary depending on your symptoms and the type of eczema that you have. Different options include certain skincare methods and some lifestyle changes. Dr. Krathen may use topical medicines, oral medications, or injection therapies suchas Dupixent to help manage your eczema symptoms. To help ease discomfort moisturizers are helpful for some symptoms as well. Dr. Krathen can help to find products that will work for you to ease any discomfort.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you or your child are dealing with some form of eczema, then talk to Dr. Krathen at Essential Dermatology to create a personalized treatment plan. To get started, call our office at (508) 827-2615 or request a consultation by filling out our online form. To book an appointment, schedule your visit as a new patient using our online scheduler or as an existing patient using the Mass General Brigham Patient Gateway.
Meet Dr. Michael Krathen
Dr. Michael Krathen is a board-certified dermatologist with more than a decade of medical training and experience. A specialist in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, he uses expertise, collaboration, and compassion to help people of all ages discover their healthiest and most radiant skin.
Credentials You Can Trust
