Eczema

Eczema, also called "atopic dermatitis" manifests as scaly, dry, red patches on the skin. Children often get eczema during their first year of life, on the scalp, forehead, and face. These patches are very common on the cheeks.

It is not contagious, but it can worsen with very dry winter weather, drying heat in homes, long hot showers, fragrances, oils, animal hair, wool and synthetic fabrics, cigarette smoke and environmental irritants.

Treatment cannot cure eczema, but it can control it. Treatment is important because it can:

• Prevent the eczema from getting worse
• Calm the skin, relieving pain and itch
• Reduce emotional stress
• Prevent infections
• Stop the skin from thickening   (thickened skin often itches even when eczema is not flaring)

SkinSmart treatment plans often include medicine, skin care, and lifestyle changes. These skin care and lifestyle changes, such as humidifying the environment, can help prevent flare-ups.   Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s needs. Medicine and other therapies will be prescribed as needed to:

• Control itching and reduce scratching
• Reduce skin inflammation (redness and swelling)
• Clear infection
• Loosen and remove scaly lesions
• Reduce new lesions from forming

Call 941.308.7546 to schedule an appointment today.