Eczema

Eczema is the broad term for a group of medical conditions in which patches of skin become red, inflamed and rough. There are several types of eczematous skin conditions including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and nummular dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. The term atopic applies to a group of diseases, often hereditary, that can lead to other allergic conditions, including hay fever and asthma.

Eczma is not contagious. You cannot “catch” this condition from another person.

While there is no cure for eczema, dermatologists use a variety of medications to control the symptoms and treat the skin rash. The treatment regimen is tailored to the location, severity and history of your particular condition.

Topical treatments include corticosteroid creams to heal your skin and control itching. Other medications used to manage eczema and atopic dermatitis are steroid-sparing, including calcineurin inhibitors and Eucrisa.

If you have a bacterial infection on the skin, your dermatologist may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to apply on the affected area or oral antibiotics in pill form.

Your dermatologist may prescribe injections of dupilumab in severe cases or if you are not responding to other treatments.

Part of your treatment plan may include therapies with medicated bandages applied to the skin.

Light therapy is another option where the skin is exposed to natural sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light for set periods.