Eczema is a word that literally means “irritated skin,” and can be used to denote temporary or persistent conditions. For some people, though, eczema becomes a chronic condition that requires medical management by a dermatologist.

Our Team of Board Certified Dermatologists at The Dermatology and Laser Group is expert at finding potential causes of your eczema, and managing your symptoms with both over the counter and prescription remedies.

For some patients, eczema can easily be managed and minimized without the use of prescription medications. The National Eczema Association provides the following checklist for preventing eczema outbreaks:

• Reduce your stress load
• Moisturize every day.
• Wear cotton or soft fabrics. Avoid rough, scratchy fibers and tight clothing.
• Take lukewarm baths and showers, using mild soap or non-soap cleanser
• Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel – do not rub.
• Apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes after bathing to “lock in” moisture.
• When possible, avoid rapid changes of temperature and activities that make you sweat.
• Learn your eczema triggers and avoid them.
• Use a humidifier in dry or cold weather.
• Keep your fingernails short to help keep scratching from breaking the skin.
• Some people with allergies find it helps to remove carpets from their house, and give pets dander treatments.

For some patients finding potential triggers for their eczema such as product ingredients that they are allergic to can be life changing. At the Dermatology and Laser Group, we provide Allergy Patch Testing for appropriate patients to try and find potential triggers that can be exacerbating their eczema.