Eczema Treatment

At Impact Medical, we provide personalized treatment plans for eczema, aiding you in regaining control and living comfortably with this condition.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It is known as the “itch that rashes.” Types of eczema are identified by what is triggering the skin to become inflamed. Eczema manifests as itchy, red, rough, scaly inflamed skin.

Are There Different Types of Eczema?

Atopic Dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema caused by an allergy to either a food or airborne allergen.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that is secondary to a chemical or allergen.   

Irritant Dermatitis: Irritant dermatitis is secondary to abrasions of skin. Examples include excessive hand washing or exposure to harsh chemicals. 

 

What Are the Symptoms of Eczema?

It’s important to note that eczema symptoms can vary over time, with periods of remission and flare-ups. Eczema can manifest in various ways and vary in severity from person to person. Common symptoms include:

Itchy Skin

Pruritus (itchiness) is a hallmark symptom of eczema and often precedes the appearance of a rash

Red or Inflamed Skin

Affected skin areas become red, swollen, and can develop into raised patches

Dry or Scaly Skin

Eczema often causes the skin to become excessively dry, leading to flaking and scaling

Rash

Eczema rashes can appear as small bumps, blisters, or as thickened, cracked skin

Eczema Patches

These patches can be localized or spread across larger areas of the body, such as the hands, face, elbows, and knees

Crusting

Scratching eczema-affected skin can result in crust formation on the skin’s surface

Sensitive Skin

The skin can become hypersensitive, reacting to irritants more easily than normal

Skin Discoloration

Over time, chronic eczema can cause skin discoloration, turning the affected areas lighter or darker

Weeping or Oozing

In some cases, eczema may lead to the oozing of clear fluid from affected areas

Secondary Infections

Persistent scratching can lead to open sores, increasing the risk of bacterial or viral infections

Sleep Disturbance

Severe itching can disrupt sleep, affecting overall well-being and quality of life

Diagnosing & Treating Eczema

An eczema rash can also be part of an underlying disease state. In certain situations, it might be clinically indicated to evaluate for an underlying disease state such as celiac disease, wiskott-aldrich syndrome, autoimmune diseases, or infections.

Medical History

Reviewing a patient’s medical history is crucial in diagnosing eczema as it helps identify potential triggers and underlying conditions.

Physical Exam

Your provider will examine the affected area to determine your eczema’s level of severity.

Diagnostic Testing

Allergy testing, which may include skin testing, ImmunoCAP testing, or patch testing, is performed dependent on the clinical history and physical exam.

Treatment

Your Impact Medical provider will provide a treatment plan based on the severity of your eczema and the underlying triggers.

Eczema Testing in New Jersey

How to Test for Eczema

Learn more about some of the testing options available for eczema.
Allergy Skin Testing
Allergy skin testing, if indicated, will be performed for environmental or food allergies.
ImmunoCAP Testing
This blood testing will also be ordered for environmental and food allergies if medically indicated.
Patch Testing
This test is used to diagnose chemical contact dermatitis by applying a small amount of the potential allergen to the skin.

Eczema Treatment in New Jersey

What is the Best Treatment for Eczema?

The most effective way to treat eczema is to identify the underlying cause. If this involves an allergy, strict avoidance is recommended. Here are other common treatments.
Topical Medications & Moisturizers
Topical moisturizers are the foundation of treatment in patients with eczema to address dry, flaky, itchy skin. Medications may include anti-inflammatory topical medications including steroid and non-steroid creams and ointments.
Allergen Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy (allergy shots) will be considered for patients who have an underlying environmental trigger contributing to eczema that cannot be avoided.
Biologic Therapies
Biologic therapies target specific immune responses to alleviate severe eczema symptoms. Biologic therapies treatments include Dupilumab (Dupixent) and Tralokinumab-Idrm (ADBRY).

Eczema FAQs

Yes, people can develop new allergies at any point in life which could lead to eczema. If there was a change in your diet, environment, or topical skin products, that could bring about an eczematous rash. In addition, one might develop a new allergy to allergens that they previously tolerated.

Hand itchiness and roughness is most often a result of an irritant dermatitis, with chafing of the skin from cold dry air. It tends to be exaggerated with hand washing or harsh hand soaps. Aggressive use of moisturizers and minimizing hand washing are often most helpful.

Yes, the most effective way to treat eczema is to identify the underlying trigger. If you have eczema because of exposure to a food or environmental allergen, with strict avoidance, the eczema will often improve or even resolve.

One of the most important aspects in the management of eczema is answering this question. Therefore, patients are often evaluated for an underlying food allergy, environmental allergy and allergic chemical contact dermatitis during the diagnostic process.

Get started on your journey to eczema relief today!