Eczema Treatment in Phoenix, AZ

Carsten Hamann, MD, PhD, and Dathan Hamann, MD: Eczema Specialists

Eczema is a condition that causes patches of skin to become red, scaly, and itchy. There are many different stages and types of the disease, and over 30 million Americans have some form of the condition. Eczema commonly appears in infancy or early childhood, but babies and children who have it may grow out of it. Still, about 10-20% of cases globally persist into adulthood. Although there is no cure for eczema, there are many eczema treatments. And, it is not contagious, so you can’t catch it from another person.

There are actually seven types of eczema; the most common form is also known as atopic dermatitis, or AD. “Atopic” refers to diseases involving the immune system. More generally, being atopic means you have an inherited tendency to have allergic reactions to certain foods or inhaled substances; on the skin, these reactions take the form of eczema, but they can also manifest as asthma and hay fever. It is estimated that 15-30% of children and 2-10% of adults globally have this form of eczema.

We don’t know the specific cause of eczema, but it is commonly connected to a family history of allergies. Children are more likely to develop eczema if one parent has the condition; if both parents have eczema or a related skin disease, the chances are even greater. Environmental factors such as smoke and pollen may also play a role, as can foods such as nuts and dairy products. Whatever the trigger, the mechanics of the disease are the same: a substance activates the immune system, which over-reacts and produces an inflammatory response in the form of a rash.

Eczema is connected to impaired skin barrier function, which means that the skin cannot effectively retain moisture. Early signs to look for are dry, sensitive skin; red, inflamed skin; bad itching; and dark colored patches of skin. Moreover, symptoms of eczema vary by age. In infants under two years old, it commonly appears as a red, itchy rash on the cheeks, chin, chest, or scalp. In older children, rashes typically develop in the creases of elbows and the backs of knees, as well as on the neck, ankles, and wrists. In adults, rashes appear in these same places but can also cover much of the body; they may particularly affect the neck, face, and area around the eyes

Michael McBride, DO, consults with a patient about treatment.

Eczema does not generally go away. While some children outgrow it, about 50% of Americans who develop the condition in childhood will continue to have symptoms as an adult. However, eczema is an unpredictable disease; in between flareups, you may have periods of improvement. And even though there is no cure for eczema, the many different eczema treatments available can help you to manage it.

While all types of eczema cause redness and itching, each type of the condition has different triggers and symptoms. The National Association of Eczema can help you learn more about the causes and give you tools to manage your eczema.

The first step in managing eczema is knowing what type you have. If you have not been diagnosed yet, or you need more support, consider visiting our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Dathan Hamann. He and the dedicated staff at Saguaro Dermatology can help you learn more about your eczema, identify your triggers, and manage your condition. We’re here to help!

Saguaro Dermatology, located in central Phoenix (just south of the Biltmore/Arcadia area and north of Tempe) offers patch testing for persistent eczema. There are many types of allergies, but many people aren’t aware of the allergic form of eczema called “allergic contact dermatitis” (ACD).