What Is Eczema?
If you've ever dealt with red, itchy skin, you're not alone. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common health condition that affects millions of people, including newborns and children. It involves an overreacting immune system, leading to redness, inflammation, and itchy patches on various areas of the body, including the hands, face, and other parts of the body. Infantile eczema is a form of the condition that affects babies and young children, though adults can also experience flare-ups throughout their lives. Dr. Adam Aldahan, a double board-certified dermatologist, treats people with eczema of all ages and specializes in managing difficult cases. Schedule a consultation at Palm Beach Dermatology in Boca Raton, FL for eczema treatment.
Which Eczema Treatment Options Provide Relief?
Eczema treatment aims to reduce inflammation, relieve itching, and prevent flare-ups. Depending on the severity of your eczema, Dr. Aldahan may recommend a combination of topical treatments, oral medications, or other therapies. For mild cases, over-the-counter topical steroids, like hydrocortisone creams and antihistamines (Benadryl), can provide relief from signs and symptoms of eczema. For more moderate to severe cases, prescription medications might include prescription-strength steroid creams, immunomodulators, or advanced biologics, like Dupixent®. These treatments work to suppress the immune system's overreaction and reduce inflammation. In particularly difficult cases, Dr. Aldahan offers an eczema "boot camp," a specialized and intensive treatment plan aimed at managing severe symptoms, especially for infantile eczema. For those with contact dermatitis or skin allergies, skin allergy counseling and patch testing are available to identify allergens and triggers that may be contributing to the condition. Preventing flare-ups and reducing symptoms involves following a consistent care routine, including the use of creams and ointments, and remembering to always apply moisturizer after a bath or shower to soothe and protect irritated skin.
What Does Eczema Look Like?
The appearance of eczema can vary, but common signs and symptoms are often recognizable. Whether it's eczema on the hands, eczema on the face, or other parts of the body, there are a few clear indicators. Typical eczema characteristics include:
- Red, itchy, and dry skin that often starts before a rash becomes visible
- Scaly, cracked skin or small, raised bumps that may appear on affected areas, such as the hands or face
- Skin may thicken or darken over time, especially with frequent scratching
- In more severe cases, pus-filled blisters can develop, sometimes leading to a yellowish or light brown crust — a sign of possible infection that needs medical attention
- Commonly appears in the creases of the elbows and knees of infants while adults may notice it on the face, neck, or hands
These signs may seem similar to psoriasis. Is there a difference between eczema and psoriasis? Although these conditions look similar, they are distinct skin conditions with different causes and treatment approaches. Both can lead to red, itchy skin, but psoriasis is an autoimmune disease while eczema is primarily an inflammatory response triggered by allergies, genetics, and environmental factors. Psoriasis tends to cause thicker, silvery scales, whereas eczema usually results in dry patches and inflammation. It's important to have a proper diagnosis to ensure you receive the correct treatment.
Palm Beach Dermatology Reviews
If I could give 100 stars I would. After being discouraged from being told from many doctors I need a referral I reached out to PBD via email and the next morning I get a call from Diana asking when I can come in. I get an appointment within a day and the next week I got my tumor removed and I am cancer free and going to get stitches removed tomorrow. Dr Aldahan and all your staff are amazing and I am forever grateful for all you’ve done
Great Mohs experience - Experience was great! Dr. Aldahan was excellent and had great bedside manner. He walked me through my skin cancer treatments and put my mind at ease. My entire MOHS surgery experience went smoothly. The snacks in the waiting room were an added bonus. The office is clean and comfortable.
This guy's great, fabulous. One of the best dermatologists in Florida! Found a skin cancer and took care of it immediately with hardly any scar. The front desk staff was amazing.
Experience was great! Dr. Aldahan was excellent and had great bedside manner. He walked me through my skin cancer treatments and put my mind at ease. My entire MOHS surgery experience went smoothly. The snacks in the waiting room were an added bonus. The office is clean and comfortable.
I had a wonderful experience. From the moment I walked in I was greeted warmly with a genuine smile by Diana at the front desk. The office is beautiful and clean. When Dr. Aldahan walked in my fear and anxiety were immediately extinguished. He made me feel so comfortable and confident with his amicable demeanor and detailed explanations. I highly recommend Dr. Aldahan and his practice.
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Address Eczema with Advanced Care
Living with eczema doesn't have to mean dealing with discomfort every day. Whether managing eczema on the hands, treating infantile eczema, or identifying triggers through skin allergy counseling and testing, Dr. Adam Aldahan and our team at Palm Beach Dermatology are here to help. From advanced treatments like Dupixent to personalized care for related conditions like asthma and seasonal allergies, you can trust that your skin will be in good hands.