Managing Eczema in Murray & West Jordan, UT
An estimated 31 million people in the United States have eczema, which often begins in childhood or early adolescence. At Allergy Associates of Utah in Murray and West Jordan, Utah, Andrew Smith, MD, MS, and Tara Sarin, MD, provide testing for potential allergens contributing to your eczema or rash as well as the latest and most revolutionary treatments to soothe your skin. To learn more about treatments for eczema and rash, call the office nearest you, or book an appointment online today.
What is eczema?
Eczema, which has several different varieties, is a recurrent skin condition affecting that affects many people. While experts aren’t certain about the exact cause of eczema, they believe that both genetic and environmental factors may play a role.
If you have eczema, you might notice that certain triggers stimulate your symptoms. Various irritants and allergens trigger the inflammation that causes the rash on your skin to appear. While you can’t always avoid or prevent a flare-up, you’re better able to take precautions if you identify your triggers.
What is a rash?
A rash is a patch or region of irritated skin. In most cases, rashes are itchy, uncomfortable, red, and possibly swollen. The more you scratch or rub your rash, the more likely you are to crack the skin or make it raw.
Rashes vary widely in appearance because there are numerous possible causes. They can come from medications, infections, allergies, and autoimmune conditions. In fact, eczema is a leading cause of rash.
What are some common symptoms of eczema and rash?
With eczema, the symptoms aren’t always present. You might even go for extended periods of time with skin that is entirely clear, or the condition might eventually go into remission.
Eczema symptoms vary from person to person and are often similar to those associated with a rash. They include:
- Itching
- Dry skin
- Inflammation
- Red or brown skin discoloration
- Cracks or scales on the skin
- Oozing
- Crusting
Eczema patches are especially common on the hands, feet, ankles, and the insides of the elbows and knees, though you can develop a flare-up nearly anywhere on your body. On infants, eczema flare-ups tend to appear on the face or scalp.
How is eczema diagnosed?
At Allergy Associates of Utah, Dr. Smith and Dr. Sarin take a broad approach when it comes to evaluating eczema. They assess your skin and medical history before performing several specific allergy tests to determine if an allergen contributes to your flare-ups.
During your evaluation, Dr. Smith or Dr. Sarin may take environmental allergy evaluations, food allergy evaluations, and personal care product allergy evaluations.
How are eczema and rash treated?
Dr. Smith and Dr. Sarin customize eczema and rash treatments according to an individual's needs. They value research and often include the latest therapies in eczema management. After assessing the factors contributing to your eczema or rash, they might prescribe or recommend one or more of these treatments:
- Medicated ointments and creams
- Antibiotic creams (for infections and skin with open sores)
- Oral corticosteroids
- Injectable biologics
- Wet dressings
- Light therapy
As you undergo treatment for eczema or a rash, you should try your best not to scratch or pick at your skin. It might help to take warm baths, wear bandages, and avoid harsh soaps and perfumes to soothe the itch.
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