The National Eczema Association estimates that more than 30 million Americans have some form of eczema, with its prevalence peaking during early childhood. Further research estimates that one in 10 people are at risk of developing eczema. Also called the itch that rashes, eczema is a rash that starts with the itching of the skin. When you have a Vintage Park rash, visit your doctor to determine whether you have eczema or other prevalent skin rashes such as flea bites, fifth disease, rosacea, impetigo, or contact dermatitis.
Your dermatologist will discuss your symptoms, review your health history, and subject you to a comprehensive physical skin examination. Your doctor may also subject you to a test called patch testing. Patch testing involves your doctor applying tiny amounts of different substances on your skin and observing the reaction after a few days. Patch testing may enable your doctor to understand the allergic reaction causing your eczema.
Remember that your eczema may cause a severe skin infection, worsen, and prove uncurable without seeking medical attention or managing it at home. Consequently, the expert tips below can help you treat and manage eczema.
- Medications
Topical corticosteroids, also known as topical steroid creams, are one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for this particular skin rash. Steroid creams, ointments, or gels come in different dosages and concentrations.
Applying a suitable cream, gel, or lotion on the skin area affected by eczema can help trigger the skin’s healing properties. Therefore, there will be a gradual reduction and elimination of inflammation and itching, eliminating patches of dry, scaly skin.
Over-the-counter topical creams you can use are diphenhydramine and hydrocortisone. You can also use topical prescription steroids like fluticasone and amcinonide.
Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics for treating and preventing a bacterial infection causing eczema.
- Therapies
You may rely on different therapies to help treat and manage your eczema symptoms. If topical treatments do not relieve your eczema symptoms or make them reappear again, your doctor may suggest you undergo eczema light therapy or phototherapy.
Phototherapy is an eczema treatment that involves exposing your itching, scaly skin rash to controlled and safe levels of ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure of your skin rash to ultraviolet light suppresses overactive immune cells in your skin, leading to relief against inflammation and itching.
However, avoid long-term light therapy treatment as it can trigger signs of premature skin aging and make you susceptible to skin cancer.
You can also go to a counselor or a therapist to help you cope with your skin condition without feeling ashamed and frustrated.
Practicing relaxation techniques can also help you avoid scratching your itchy skin affected by eczema. Scratching an itchy skin rash can worsen your condition and trigger an infection.
- Lifestyle modifications
Your dermatologist will require that you adopt certain lifestyle choices that can enable you to care for your sensitive skin. Some skin care tips helpful in relieving eczema symptoms include moisturizing your skin regularly, avoiding scratching affected skin areas, taking warm baths daily, and avoiding high stress and anxiety levels. Moreover, when the weather is hot, you must wear light clothes, which promote cutaneous respiration.
Contact Elite Dermatology & The Oaks Plastic Surgery today to schedule an appointment with a rash specialist to diagnose and treat your skin condition.
