Eczema

If you can no longer manage eczema flare-ups with over-the-counter creams, you can rely on the expert eczema care of Allergy Asthma Immunology of the Rockies. Robert McDermott, MD, Amy Johnson, PA-C, and the team design individual treatment plans to help adults and children manage chronically dry, itchy skin. The specialists also provide resources you can use to protect your skin’s long-term health and reduce the frequency of eczema flare-ups. Call the Basalt, or Glenwood Springs, Colorado, office today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for eczema symptoms or book an appointment online.

What is eczema?

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy bumps and rashes on the skin, typically on the inside of the elbows, back of the knees, and neck.

Eczema weakens the skin’s barrier, which protects it from environmental elements. The barrier is also responsible for helping your skin retain moisture. Damage to the protective barrier leads to persistently dry, itchy skin and other symptoms.

Allergy Asthma Immunology of the Rockies provides custom care plans for adults and kids with eczema. Dr. McDermott and the team offer comprehensive skin evaluations to determine the severity of eczema symptoms to provide appropriate treatment.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Eczema symptoms vary from person to person. In addition to skin dryness and itching, the condition can cause:

• Swelling
• Skin bumps
• Flaky or leathery skin
• Scaly, crusty, oozing skin patches

These symptoms can affect nearly any part of your body, appearing for a few weeks before going into remission. Scratching the skin can further damage its protective barrier, leading to painful sores and infection.

Allergy Asthma Immunology of the Rockies offers onsite allergy tests to determine which substances trigger an immune system reaction that causes eczema flare-ups. The team also asks questions about your medical history and lifestyle to identify factors that contribute to your symptoms.

How is eczema treated?

Your treatment plan for eczema may include topical medications to calm itchy, swollen skin. You may also need to take antihistamines or an anti-inflammatory medicine to ease eczema symptoms.

If you develop a skin infection, Dr. McDermott prescribes antibiotics to clear it. He also offers guidance for preventing additional infections, such as applying a skin moisturizer multiple times a day to prevent excessive dryness.

Allergy Asthma Immunology of the Rockies also offers resources you can use to care for your skin during an eczema flare-up. Dr. McDermott and the team can suggest gentle moisturizers, cleansers, soaps, and other products that are safe for use on itchy, damaged skin.

Call the Allergy Asthma Immunology of the Rockies office near you today to schedule an eczema consultation for yourself or your child. You can also use the online feature to book an appointment.