Eczema
What Triggers Eczema?
There isn’t a specific cause of eczema, but researchers believe that the condition is influenced by certain genetic and environmental factors. Consider possible triggers of eczema flares below:
- Emotional stress
- Dry air during cold winter months
- Humidity
- Sweating
- Allergens like dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen
- Hormonal changes
- Irritants such as wool, certain soaps, nickel, cigarette smoke, and fragrances
- Certain food and drinks
- Unmoisturized skin
Different Types of Eczema
Here are the most common:
Atopic Dermatitis
This is the most common type of Eczema. It typically begins during childhood and but lessens or completely goes away later on. Symptoms can include a rash in the creases of elbows and knees, and small bumps that leak fluid when scratched.
Contact Dermatitis
This type of eczema occurs when you have red and irritated skin due to the substances you touch. Contact dermatitis has two subtypes: allergen and irritant. Common causes of contact dermatitis include bleach, fragrances, makeup, poison ivy, and jewelry.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Typically occurring more often in women than in men, this form of eczema is most commonly characterized by small fluid-filled blisters on fingers, palms, toes, and soles of your feet. The skin can crack and flake and the blisters may itch or hurt.
There are a total of six different types of eczema. The ones not mentioned here are nummular eczema, seborrheic eczema, and stasis eczema.
Treating Eczema
Anti-inflammatory Medications
Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that reduce the inflammation and itching associated with eczema. Ultimately, this gives the skin a chance to heal. Use the topical steroid prescribed by your eczema specialist as instructed and follow-up with a moisturizer.
Skin Moisturizers
Oil-based moisturizers can help protect the skin’s barrier. A damaged skin barrier can lead the skin to become more sensitive to irritants, bacteria, and other invaders. Be sure to moisturize within 3 minutes of showering or bathing. Opt for moisturizers that are dye and fragrance-free as those are less irritating.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy, like Narrow Band UVB Phototherapy, has many benefits. It’s great for patients with eczema that is all over the body and even those with flare-ups in more localized areas like the hands and feet. This form of treatment promotes vitamin D production, decreases inflammation, and reduces itching.
Nonsteroidal Medications
Nonsteroidal medications are applied topically to areas of the skin affected by eczema. They work with the immune system to block the chemical that causes eczema flare-ups. Topicals like Protopic and Elidel are examples of nonsteroidal medications and should not be combined with phototherapy. Talk with your eczema specialist to determine if this is the right option for you.
Locations
1505 Wilson Terrace
Suite 240
Glendale, CA 91206
Don Mehrabi MD in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Encino Tarzana, and Glendale. Same/Next Day / Saturday appt.
16030 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 140
Encino, CA 91436
Don Mehrabi MD in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Encino Tarzana, and Glendale. Same/Next Day / Saturday appt.
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