What Kind Of Doctor Should I See For Eczema

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What Is The Underlying Cause For Eczema

Medical researchers acknowledge the fact that there is no proven cause of eczema. However, most of them believe that a combination of genes and an external or internal trigger can lead to eczema.

Research shows that most of the patients who suffer from this condition tend to have an over-reactive immune system that produces the inflammation when triggered by either internal environment or external substances. It is this inflammation that causes the itchy and sometimes painful symptoms of eczema.

Research has also revealed that some patients with dermatitis have a gene mutation responsible for creating filaggrin a special protein which primary role is to help your body maintain a healthy and protective barrier on the top layer of your skin.

If your body fails to produce enough filaggrin to build the protective layer, you end up losing a lot of moisture, letting in bacteria and other viruses ultimately leading to chronic inflammation. This is the primary reason why many individuals with dermatitis have dry and infection-prone skin.

Treating Atopic Dermatitis In Infants

About 10% to 20% of infants develop eczema, with the rash usually on the face and scalp. In most cases, this condition improves after age 5 and may disappear for good.

Medical experts believe itâs a genetic condition or passed from parents to their kids. Symptoms can vary depending on the age of the child.

In more severe cases, infants can have eczema on uncommon areas like the torso, elbows, and knees. Children and teens will notice the rash in the inner elbows, behind the knees, on the neck, or on the wrists and ankles. The skin may appear drier and thicker, and develop a scaly texture.

There are some steps you can take to treat your child’s eczema or prevent flare-ups:

• Avoid skin care products with fragrances and other possible irritants.
• Cut your childâs fingernails and encourage them to wear gloves to prevent skin damage from excessive scratching.
• Maintain a routine of bathing, moisturizing, and applying age-appropriate treatments recommended by a pediatrician. Ask your doctor about the âsoak and sealâ method.
• Talk to a pediatrician or dermatologist about the benefits of oatmeal baths or bleach baths to reduce inflammation and discourage bacterial growth.
• Boost the effectiveness of any topical medication and rehydrate the skin by using wet wrap therapy. This can also prevent your child from scratching their skin.

Also Check: Why Did I Develop Eczema

Continue Learning About Skin Disorders

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

How These Practitioners Can Help

Both of these doctors can provide allergy testing when necessary. For instance, a dermatologist may perform a skin patch test to determine the cause of your skin reaction. An allergist may also perform a skin patch test and more in-depth allergy testing.

A dermatologist can help you choose products that are less likely to irritate your skin. An allergist may provide medications to help you manage your allergies and even provide immunotherapy to reduce your sensitivity to that substance.

Fortunately, you wont be at a loss regardless of which doctor you choose to see. If you see a dermatologist, and they cannot diagnose or treat the underlying cause of your symptoms, they will simply refer you to an allergist and vice versa.

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How Is Eczema Treated

Treatment for eczema typically involves lifestyle changes, over-the-counter moisturizers, medications, and phototherapy.

Lifestyle changes and moisturizers. Anyone with eczema should try to avoid exposure to allergens and contact with chemicals or other substances known to trigger symptoms. If a flare-up occurs, people should try to avoid scratching to prevent additional skin damage and thickening of the skin.

Over-the-counter moisturizers and hydrocortisone cream may be soothing and can help relieve itching. Bathing or showering with lukewarm, rather than hot, water will help, too.

Medications. If symptoms continue, a doctor may prescribe one or more of the following treatments:

• Antihistamines: These may be used to treat eczema symptoms caused by exposure to allergens. They may be available over-the-counter or by prescription.
• Corticosteroids: While over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream is available, sometimes higher doses of topical corticosteroids are necessary to reduce and control skin inflammation. Sometimes these medications must be taken orally, as a pill or tablet.
• Antibiotics or Antifungals: Because skin lesions caused by eczema are prone to infections, a doctor may prescribe these to eliminate infections that may accompany eczema.
• Immunosuppressive drugs: These medications reduce the bodys immune response, which lessens inflammation and other symptoms.

What Are The Symptoms Of Lip Eczema

Lip eczemas symptoms often appear on one or both of your lips. It can also manifest on the area around your lips.

You could have eczema on your lips if you have the following symptoms:

• Burning
• A red rash around or on the lips
• Pain

Also, eczema is different from dry lips. Apart from the dryness, lip eczema causes itchiness and extreme irritation. Allergens do not trigger dry lips either.

Read Also: Can Bed Bugs Cause Eczema

Should I Go To An Allergy Doctor Or A Dermatologist

When you have a rash that you suspect is from an allergy, you may wonder what type of specialist you should see, especially since dermatology and allergy medicine have some overlap.

The answer isnt always straightforward. In fact, you should take into consideration a few different factors when choosing between an allergist and a dermatologist.

Fortunately, our practice in Sarasota offers medical care from both dermatologists and allergists. We even offer advice to help you determine the correct doctor for your healthcare needs.

How Do Dermatologists Diagnose Stasis Dermatitis

Your dermatologist will examine the affected skin carefully and ask questions. Before your appointment, it can be helpful to take some time to prepare so that you can tell your dermatologist:

• All medications that you take, including the names of medications you take to control blood pressure and heart disease

• All your medical conditions, including problems with your heart, a previous blood clot, or stroke

• If youve ever injured the area with the skin problem

• Surgeries youve had, including ones that involved a lower leg

• The symptoms youve had, such as itch or pain

After examining the area and considering your answers to the questions, your dermatologist may give you the diagnosis.

Sometimes, a dermatologist recommends testing to see how your blood is flowing in the affected area. To do this, your dermatologist may order an ultrasound of your legs. A Doppler ultrasound study can rule out a blood clot and show any damage to your blood vessels. These tests are called non-invasive because they use devices that allow a doctor to see whats happening inside your body without making an incision.

Some patients need an allergy test called a patch test, which can tell if an allergic reaction is affecting the skin. Many dermatologists perform patch testing in their offices.

Your dermatologist may also order another type of test, such as a blood test.

Once you have an accurate diagnosis, your dermatologist can create a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

Also Check: Ringworm Vs Eczema In Toddlers

How Does Ear Eczema Affect My Body

Ear eczema affects your ears, including:

• Your outer ears , including your ear lobes.
• Your inner ears, including your ear canals.
• Behind your ears.
• The skin between your ears and your face.

Your skin may itch, change color, develop bumps, dry out or thicken.

In severe cases of ear eczema, your skin may crack or leak a thick, yellow or white fluid . You may also experience a ringing noise or hearing loss if you have a severe case of ear eczema in your ear canals.

How Is Contact Dermatitis Treated

Treatment involves working out what allergen or irritant is causing the contact dermatitis and then avoiding it. The rash should clear slowly once you avoid the trigger.

It is possible to have different types of contact dermatitis at the same time. You may need to avoid several different allergens or irritants.

Your doctor may recommend a moisturiser, steroid creams or tablets, or therapy such as ultraviolet light. In severe cases, immunosuppressant medication may be needed.

Try not to scratch the affected skin and keep your nails short so you dont accidentally scratch yourself and break the skin. Your pharmacist or doctor may be able to recommend some products which can help with dry, sore or itchy skin.

Recommended Reading: What Causes Flare Ups In Eczema

Lip Eczema: Types And Causes

There are two major types of lip eczema based on the cause:

• A type of lip eczema caused by external factors, aka factors outside of your body.
• Eczema on your lips could be due to an inherent characteristic. For example, you may have atopic dermatitis, which is common among people whose families have a history of the condition.

Lip eczema can also be categorized on the specific type of cause behind the condition, which includes the following:

• Irritant contact cheilitis. This occurs due to external irritation. Lip lickers dermatitis falls under this category. The repeated licking of the lips throughout the day could dry out the lips, which results in flaking, splitting, chapping or peeling. This is especially true if you forget to apply sunscreen before you go out in the sun or if you live in a cold and dry climate. Other triggers of external irritation include environmental factors and cosmetics.
• Allergic contact cheilitis. This is an allergic reaction to dental materials, lip products, medication or toothpaste.
• Angular cheilitis. This lip eczema develops due to a bacterial infection or a fungal infection . A person can contract angular cheilitis due to lip licking, braces or dentures. People with diabetes are prone to this type of eczema.

Should I See A Dermatologist For Eczema

Whether or not you should see a dermatologist for eczema largely depends on the severity of your problem. If the condition is fairly mild, you may want to try to handle it yourself. For more severe problems, it is likely in your best interest to have professional assistance managing and monitoring the condition.

Eczema is a skin condition whose cause is unknown. A person can live for decades before the problem suddenly arises, and individuals can suffer from eczema in varying degrees. For some people, the problem is fairly mild and may be contained in a limited area. For others, the itching, swelling, and burning associated with this condition may be severe, and it may occur in multiple sites on the body. Where your problem is located and the severity of it should factor into your decision to see a dermatologist for eczema.

If you feel that your condition is mild, you may want to try over-the-counter remedies before seeking medical attention. As there is no cure, there is generally no reason to go to a dermatologist if you can manage the problem yourself. If you decide later that it may be better for to get professional help, it will not be too late.

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Your Dermatologist May Refer You To Another Doctor

While your dermatologist can treat the stasis dermatitis, some patients have a related health condition, such as vein disease or a heart condition. Your dermatologist will partner with that doctor to help ensure that you get the care you need.

To get the best results from treatment, you will also need some self-care. Heres what dermatologists recommend, Stasis dermatitis: Self-care.

ImagesImages 1 and 4: Getty Images

Images 2 and 3: American Academy of Dermatology. Stasis dermatitis and leg ulcers. Basic Dermatology Curriculum. Last accessed August 28, 2020.

ReferencesAmerican Academy of Dermatology. Stasis dermatitis and leg ulcers. Basic Dermatology Curriculum. Last accessed August 28, 2020.

Flugman SL, Clark RA. Stasis dermatitis. Medscape. Last updated Mar 27, 2020.

Nedorost S, White S, et al. Development and implementation of an order set to improve value of care for patients with severe stasis dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Mar 80:815-7.

Reider N, Fritsch PO. Other eczematous eruptions. In: Bolognia JL, et al. Dermatology. . Mosby Elsevier, China, 2018:235-6.

Sundaresan S, Migden MR, et al. Stasis dermatitis: Pathophysiology, evaluation, and management. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2017 18:383-90.

How Can I Reduce My Risk

There are steps you can take that may prevent ear eczema outbreaks:

• Establish a skin care routine, and follow your healthcare professionals recommendations for keeping your skin healthy.
• Avoid wool and silk, which can dry out your skin.
• Use a mild soap for your bath or shower, and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it. Apply a moisturizing cream or ointment immediately after drying your skin to help seal in the moisture. Reapply cream or ointment two to three times a day.
• Take baths or showers with lukewarm water, not hot water.
• Drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Water helps keep your skin moist.
• Avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
• Limit your exposure to known irritants and allergens.
• Avoid scratching or rubbing your irritated skin.

Read Also: Best Bath Soap For Eczema

Home Treatment For Atopic Dermatitis

Good skin care is key. If your eczema is mild, that might be all you need, along with some changes in your daily habits.

If you have severe eczema, you may need to take medicine for it, too.

The basics:

Soap and moisturizer. Use a mild soap or soap substitute that won’t dry your skin. Youâll also want a good moisturizer in cream, lotion, or ointment form. Smooth it on right after a shower or bath, as well as at least one other time each day.

If your eczema is severe, you may find that it helps to take baths once a week with a small amount of bleach added to the water. That kills bacteria that live on the skin of people with eczema.

Short, warm showers. Donât take very hot or very long showers or baths. They can dry out your skin.

Stress management. Get regular exercise, and set aside time to relax. Need a few ideas? You could get together with friends, laugh, listen to music, meditate or pray, or enjoy a hobby.

Get a humidifier. Dry air can be stressful for your skin.

An Eye For Warning Signs Can Save Your Eyesight

If you have AD, its important to play close attention to your eyes. When an eye problem lasts more than a few days, make an appointment to see your dermatologist or eye doctor.

You should also have eye exams as often as your eye doctor recommends. Ophthalmologists are the experts at diagnosing eye disease. Caught early, the eye diseases linked to AD are highly treatable.

Image

ReferencesHeiting G. Eye problems and diseases. AllAboutVision.com. Website last accessed January 31, 2018.

Leung DYM, Eichenfield LF, et al. Atopic dermatitis. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatricks dermatology in general medicine. McGraw Hill Medical, USA, 2008:152.

Thyssen JP, Toft PB, et al. Incidence, prevalence, and risk of selected ocular disease in adults with atopic dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 77:280-6.

All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology

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Why Do I Get Eczema In My Ears

Eczema can develop anywhere on your skin, including your ears. Different types of eczema can develop in your ears, including:

• Allergic eczema : Your immune system overreacts to minor irritants or allergens if you have allergic eczema. This overreaction can inflame your skin. Common irritants and allergens include earrings, hair and skin care products, food, pollen, cell phones or headphones.
• Asteatotic eczema: Asteatotic eczema commonly affects people 65 years of age and older. Changes in the weather or temperature cause asteatotic eczema, and it tends to flare up during the winter season. Low humidity can cause your skin to become dry and itchy. Harsh soaps, wool and hair and skin care products can also cause it.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis commonly affects the oily parts of your body, including your ears, scalp, nose and chest. No one knows exactly what causes seborrheic dermatitis, but a surplus of a type of yeast on the surface of your skin may be the cause.

A Dermatologists Guide To Eczema In Children And Adults

May 31, 2019

“Early diagnosis and intervention will help to alleviate you or your childs symptoms, therefore improving quality of life.”

“Early diagnosis and intervention will help to alleviate you or your childs symptoms, therefore improving quality of life.”

Eczema, also referred todermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder which presents in both children and adults. It usually results in dry, inflamed and scaling skin that feels chronically itchy. Depending on the type of eczema, patients may experience symptoms at varying severities.

The National Skin Center reports that at least one in every ten adults in Singapore suffers from eczema. What is even more worrying is the fact that the number of people diagnosed with this condition keeps increasing with at least eight new cases reported every day.

There are two main types of eczema contact dermatitis that is caused by direct skin contact with external triggers and endogenous dermatitis that occurs as a result of conditions within the body, a common example is atopic dermatitis.

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