Eczema
Eczema is a very common condition. The term, eczema, is used to describe a range of conditions that cause persistent inflammation and irritation of the skin. Between 10 and 20 percent of infants develop eczema, and while it is less common in adults, it can affect people of all ages. Most children tend to outgrow the condition by age ten, but eczema can persist throughout a person’s life. In most cases, proper medical treatment can help control and/or alleviate the symptoms.
Eczema Causes
The exact cause of eczema is still unknown to doctors. However, it is widely believed that eczema begins with a person’s immune system. Most research suggests that the condition appears when the immune system overreacts to a skin irritant. Additionally, most doctors believe that this condition can be genetically passed to children.
Similar to rosacea, while eczema’s exact cause is unknown, many of its triggers have been isolated. The condition can appear from contact with a number of different factors, such as household cleaners, cosmetic products, chemicals, metals, foods, pets, fabrics, weather, and even stress. If you notice that a certain product or experience triggers eczema in your body, make a note of it. This information can be very useful to a dermatologist.
Eczema Symptoms
Regardless of the conditions cause, appearance, of the affected area of skin, eczema is always itchy. This itchiness can sometime appear prior to the tell-tale red rash. This rash will usually look try, scaly, and thick, and people with fair skin may notice their rash become red, sometimes turning brown over time. People with darker skin will also see a change in skin color, where the rash will change to either a lighter or darker color than the natural hue.
In infants, eczema can begin to ooze or crust over. It is common for eczema to appear on the face, the backs of the knees, inside the wrists, and on the hands and feet, but it can appear anywhere on the body.
Basic Formula for Recovery, Healing, and Improvement
When it comes to eczema, the most important goal is to prevent itching. When the rash itches, patients will typically scratch at the skin. This can create wounds that eventually lead to infection and possible scarring. To reduce the itchy feeling, it is important to keep the eczema-affected skin moist. This will both reduce the risk of injury and soothe the skin. There are several types of lotions and creams used to treat eczema, and in some cases, oral medication can be prescribed to help relieve the symptoms. Rash treatments can also be effective.
Once the area has improved, it is helpful to work with a doctor to find your eczema triggers. While there is no definitive cure for eczema, avoiding these triggers can help reduce the risk of experiencing future eczema flare-ups.
When to See a Dermatologist for Eczema Treatment
With proper education and resources, eczema can be managed without the assistance of a doctor. However, a persistent or chronic condition requires a deeper understanding. In knowing your triggers and obtaining the medication necessary to mitigate symptoms, eczema can become manageable. Our dermatologists are specifically equipped to help you. Additionally, if you have an extensive or especially itchy eczema spot, you may need a prescription for oral or topical antibiotics. Only a licensed medical professional can accurately diagnose and provide that treatment.
If you’re tired of dealing with eczema, we can help. There is no eczema treatment, but we can alleviate your symptoms. Contact Us to schedule an appointment or virtual visit today.
*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.
Zel Skin & Laser Specialists – Plymouth ★★★★★ on Google5:27pm
Felt COvid safe ... always a great experience working with professionals
Brian brings a unique combination of medical science, clinical expertise, integrity and compassion to his patients. He provides the latest technology available in the field of dermatology but with a personalized touch for each patient. He is highly respected by his colleagues throughout the country for his expertise and sincerity.
Everyone I have met at Zel is amazing!
It is rare to find a dermatologist who is as knowledgeable about the many facets of clinical and cosmetic dermatology as Dr. Zelickson. Because of his knowledge and honesty, doctors worldwide know they can depend on his assessment of new therapies, procedures and medical devices. This, in turn, has made him a much sought–after speaker for the plethora of professional medical society meetings and engagements that we have throughout the year. I am honored to know Dr. Zelickson and consider him a friend to the profession.
Dr. Brian Zelickson was one of our initial Thermage investigators and helped us understand the mechanisms of non–invasive skin tightening. He is a renowned expert on how collagen can affect skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of this country’s leading laser experts. Not only is he unparalleled as a laser surgeon, it is not an exaggeration to state that his superb research helps determine the future of dermatologic laser surgery.
Dr. Zelickson is a highly regarded skin/light expert in our industry. When Candela looks for both medical and scientific advice for new laser applications, we often turn to him for his counsel. The input he provides us always starts with patient safety and satisfaction. We feel fortunate to be able to tap into Brian as an independent resource. The patients who are treated with Candela devices are often the beneficiaries of Brian’s input to us.
Most patients prefer seeing a doctor who is known for a particular specialty or procedure, but all patients want to see the doctor who invented the procedure or therapy. Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the most respected physicians in the field of cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine. He has lectured around the world and is one of the most sought–after speakers for all major meetings in dermatology.
I would rate Dr. Zelickson's clinic 10 stars!
We have felt honored to have Dr. Brian Zelickson, a world–renowned dermatologist who is distinguished as a high–quality care physician, serving as the investigator evaluating Syneron non–invasive skin tightening technology
I trained with Dr. Zelickson at Mayo Clinic, and I found him to be a very bright and creative dermatologist and scientist. Later, he was our best advisor when we set up our clinic in the Basque Country in Spain. I call him the ‘paparazzi of dermatology.’ His contribution to our speciality is probably among the best of this century.
Tuve la suerte de conocer al Dr. Brian Zelickson en Minneapolis hace muchos anos y desde entonces acudo regularmente a compartir sus conocimientos. Es un científico honrado, brillante, creativo e innovador. Nunca deja de sorprenderte agradablemente.
Dr. Zelickson is a very well–respected dermatologist, not only in the U.S., but also in Europe. He is famous for being the author of relevant dermatological studies published in many prestigious medical journals and for the improvements he’s made on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that are being used by dermatologists all over the world.
Our view from Europe of Dr. Brian Zelickson is that he is one of the leading four or five U.S. laser dermatologists. His research contributions, his superb lectures and his expert knowledge of laser skin surgery make him a valued friend, colleague and guest.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in cutaneous laser surgery. He has performed groundbreaking research over the past decade, advancing the field as well as expertly providing the most up–to–date laser treatments for his patients.
Brian Zelickson is a world–renowned laser expert who helps develop the lasers and treatment parameters used by the rest of the world. He is where others turn to learn the latest techniques in laser surgery. If you want the best treatment available, delivering the best results in the safest environment available, there is no need to look anywhere else.
I have met many laser experts in my 20 years of teaching, lecturing and running a busy practice. There is no one who I respect more than Brian. If I have a clinical question or research idea, Brian is one of the few individuals I call, as I know I can count on his intellect, integrity and common sense.
Dr. Zelickson is one of America’s most knowledgeable laser experts. He has done pioneering work with many of the laser and light–based technologies developed in the world over the last 10 years. He is a giant in the field.
Dr. Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in the field of lasers for the treatment of the skin. His many years experience in treating thousands of patients with lasers and other medical devices makes him one of the most sought–after doctors in this field. Innovation and caring are his trademarks.