The diagnosis and treatment of eczema
Surgery in Washington, DC, and Annapolis, MD, our Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Cheryl Burgess, is dedicated to helping those dealing with this condition and finding a treatment that works best for them.
What is eczema?
Eczema, otherwise referred to medically as atopic dermatitis, is a skin disorder commonly characterized by red, itchy, and dry patches of skin. It can occur on any part of your body, but most typically affects the face, hands, neck, arms, and legs.
What are some of the common symptoms of eczema?
The symptoms of eczema vary in severity from patient to patient. However, they tend to include:
- Itching and burning sensations on the skin
- Redness and swelling
- Crusting, blistering, cracking, or flaking skin
- Dryness of skin, which can lead to skin becoming scaly or leathery
- Oozing lesions may develop from scratching too much.
Available treatments for eczema
Dr. Cheryl Burgess has worked with patients of all ages and ethnicities who deal with this particular skin condition. She finds that a single treatment may work for some, while a combination of treatments is most effective for others.
Treatment options for eczema may include:
- Topical corticosteroids
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors
- Antihistamines
- Moisturizers
- Light therapy (phototherapy)
In addition to these treatment options, Dr. Cheryl Burgess may recommend lifestyle changes such as limiting scratching or avoiding specific environmental triggers, such as pet dander or pollen, that can cause the skin to flare.
Call the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery today to learn more about atopic dermatitis treatment!
If you suspect you have eczema or have already been diagnosed with this inflammatory skin condition, it’s time to take charge and improve your quality of life!
Dr. Cheryl Burgess and her skilled team at the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery work directly with patients to help them get a definitive diagnosis of their condition and find a treatment plan that WORKS!
Call (202) 955-5757 to request an appointment at her Washington, DC office or (410) 224-1195 to request an appointment at her Annapolis, MD office. She is a Board-certified dermatologist open to new and current patients.
FAQs – Eczema treatment
There are several varieties and severities of eczema, so working with a Board-certified dermatologist is the best way to ensure a definitive and accurate diagnosis of your condition for the best treatment and outcome.
Some of the types of eczematoid eruptions on the skin include:
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Asteatotic eczema
- Atopic dermatitis
- Dyshidrotic eczema
- Irritant contact dermatitis
- Nummular dermatitis
- Stasis dermatitis
Because of the varying severities and types of eczema, what works for one patient might not work for another. Our team of professionals works with you to determine the best treatment for the type of eczema you are dealing with and your medical history. Sometimes, trial and error may be needed to find the most effective solution.
In infants, eczema is often found on the forehead, chin, and cheeks. Children may discover eczema developing in areas such as the folds of the elbows and knees, arms and legs, or the upper side of the feet and hands. Adults commonly see eczema affect the face, neck, and hands primarily.
In some situations, children diagnosed with eczema may find that it resolves on its own with age. However, they may still deal with dry and irritated skin as adults and need a dermatologist’s help to control this.