Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, causes the skin to become red and itchy. This condition can be a nuisance to deal with because it can cause severe itching and skin irritation. It can also cause brownish-gray or red patches to develop on the skin. Additionally, some people develop raised bumps that can crust over and leak fluid.
Who in Westchester County is susceptible to eczema?
This condition affects about 20 percent of children. Most children develop eczema within the first five years of life. However, it is important to note that eczema can develop at any time. It is estimated that one to three percent of adults have eczema.
What treatment options are available in Scarsdale?
There are many dermatology treatments available for eczema. Steroidal creams may be recommended by a dermatologist. They work by reducing skin inflammation. A steroidal cream should be used until the flare-up is completely gone. Some people only need to use a steroidal cream for seven to 10 days before noticing a major improvement. However, others will need to use steroidal creams for a longer period of time. Even though steroidal creams are effective, they can cause side effects if they are overused. Some of those side effects include skin discoloration and irritation.
If a patient is suffering from a bacterial skin infection, then antibiotics may be recommended by a certified dermatologist. Antibiotics may only be recommended for a short amount of time in order to clear up the infection. However, a dermatologist may recommend long-term use of antibiotics. Long-term antibiotics use can help reduce bacteria growth on the skin. This can decrease the person’s chances of suffering another infection.
Photodynamic therapy can also be used to treat eczema. This treatment involves using light-sensitive compounds to target the affected skin cells.
If you suffer from eczema, meet with one of our board-certified dermatologists who can help you select the treatment plan that is right for you. With skin care offices conveniently located in Scarsdale and Manhattan we proudly serve residents of New York City and Westchester County.
