29
Aug
Tailored and trusted dermatology care for all types of eczema
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Cheryl M. Burgess and the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery are proud of their diverse patient base. From our offices in Annapolis, Maryland and Washington, D.C., we safely and successfully care for patients of varying skin types, skin tones, and with all kinds of skin concerns. This is an important distinction, because some medications, products, and therapies are only suitable for certain skin types.
Additionally, conditions like eczema do not manifest in just one way. There are at least seven different types of eczema. With our broad perspective and Dr. Burgess’ trusted and considerable expertise, all patients can finally get relief from this common skin condition and avoid the many complications associated with it.
What is the most common form of eczema?
Atopic dermatitis is characterized by itchy, dry, and scaly skin. On lighter skin tones, atopic dermatitis may appear as red rashes. On darker skin tones, these patches can be dark brown, purple, or gray, and may feel like small, rough bumps. The condition can start in childhood. For some kids, atopic dermatitis goes away on its own. For others, it becomes a chronic and lifelong condition. Flare-ups may come and go for years.
What causes flare-ups?
Triggers for flares vary widely among our patients, but some of the most common include:
- Certain fabrics, such as wool.
- Heat.
- Sweat.
- Stress.
- Strong fragrances.
- Cool, dry air.
- Dust mites.
- Pet dander.
- Pollen.
- Mold.
Dr. Burgess is adept at diagnosing conditions. When we better understand the source of your symptoms, triggers can be identified, minimized, or avoided. This helps to manage the frequency of your flare-ups.
We are here to helpCall Washington office at (202) 955 - 5757|Call Annapolis office at (410) 224-1195
or text information at (202) 695-0409
Request an Appointment
What other forms of eczema do you treat?
Other persistent forms of eczema include discoid or nummular eczema. This type starts as small bumps that may appear red, pink, or dark brown depending on your skin tone. These bumps can evolve into larger coin-shaped lesions that are itchy, flaky, and may crack. Neurodermatitis is associated with a potentially damaging itch-scratch cycle. The more that you scratch intensely itchy, scaly, and rough patches, the worse the spots become. Without treatment and as you continue to itch, these patches may become thick and leathery. As with other types of eczema, untreated neurodermatitis can also result in wounds, bacterial infections, scars, and pigmentation problems due to the trauma. We have provided relief and prevented complications associated with still other types of eczema, including stasis dermatitis, asteatotic or xerotic eczema, and contact dermatitis (both allergic and irritation CD).
How do you treat eczema at your office?
As noted, treatments vary considerably and are based on factors such as the type of eczema that is diagnosed, as well as its severity. Age is another factor. What may be recommended for a baby with eczema can differ from what we recommend for an older adult patient. Depending on these personal needs and characteristics, recommendations for treatment may include:
- Guidance on managing identified “triggers” (see above).
- Good skin care (it’s particularly important to keep skin moisturized and hydrated).
- Topical medications applied to the skin; for instance, corticosteroid creams and ointments.
- Systemic medications to reduce inflammation at the source of AD and for those patients whose flares are not well controlled with topicals.
- Light therapy or phototherapy to fight inflammation and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier
For some patients, eczema relief is a “one treatment and done” process. For others, no single treatment is effective. A combination of approaches gets the best results. To find your relief, request a consultation today! Call the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery office in Washington, D.C. at (202) 955-5757 or our Annapolis, MD office can be reached at (410) 224 1195 .
