Atopic dermatitis (eczema) affects one in every ten Americans, causing unpleasant symptoms such as dry, itchy skin, red patches, and pimples. Allergies are frequently to blame for these flare-ups. Eczema is classified into several forms, each with its own set of triggers that impact the skin’s barrier function. Reach out to the allergy and asthma institute, llc, for help today.
The different types:
Atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis are examples of these conditions. It is possible to have numerous types at the same time. Eczema can affect anyone, and it commonly begins in childhood and lasts into old age. Dermatitis, allergies, hay fever, and asthma may be passed down through families.
What are the symptoms:
Dry, itchy skin, rashes, lumps, thick patches, and swelling are all symptoms of eczema. The appearance changes according to skin tone. Hands, neck, elbows, ankles, knees, feet, face, ears, and lips are the most commonly affected locations, with rarer occurrences on breasts, nipples, vulva, and penis. Triggers in your surroundings can induce flare-ups, so identifying and avoiding them is critical for controlling eczema.
What causes it?
Eczema is caused by a gene variant that lowers the protective barrier of your skin, leaving it sensitive and vulnerable to dryness, infections, and irritants. Dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mildew, smoke, fragrances, and food allergies are all common triggers for flare-ups. Immunotherapy can help manage the symptoms of both allergies and eczema.
Getting immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy exposes your body to modest doses of allergens in order to build immunity and prevent allergic responses. Your immune system becomes desensitized to the allergen over time, reducing sensitivity and symptoms. Allergy injections or sublingual equivalents are employed, with allergen exposure gradually increasing over 3-6 months. Maintenance shots are required for years to maintain the results.
The diagnosis:
Eczema is often diagnosed through a physical exam in childhood, however, it can arise at any age. To confirm the diagnosis, other illnesses are checked out using testing such as allergy tests, blood tests, and skin biopsies.
Final thoughts:
Eczema treatment is customized to your specific needs and causes. Moisturizers, topical medicines, oral medications, immunosuppressants, and light treatments may be used. Avoiding triggers is also important in controlling eczema symptoms. Immunotherapy not only treats eczema but also advises skin protection and hydration. This all-encompassing method minimizes the frequency and severity of eczema flare-ups.
