October is Eczema awareness month. This is a time to raise awareness of the condition and promote understanding of its impact on daily life. If you are struggling with eczema, a specialist in Chevy Chase can help you manage your condition.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is chronic skin condition that affects over 30 million people in the U.S. It causes dry skin, severe itching, rashes, blisters, skin infections and scaly patches. Many people with eczema use the phrase “flare” to describe a phase of eczema. Flares can last a few days, or several weeks. There is no cure, but there are many treatments available to help you manage symptoms. Additionally, many people are able to identify and avoid triggers.
What Does Eczema Look Like?
Well, that depends. ON lighter skin tones, eczema can appear as a pink or red rash with bumps and crusty area. On darker skin tones, eczema looks like a dark brown, gray, or purple rash with small, dry bumps. It also changes in appearance depending on how long you’ve had symptoms.
Who Gets Eczema?
Anyone. At any age. Eczema can appear at any time, but it is common in children and also runs in families with a history of eczema.
Is Eczema Contagious?
No. It is a common misconception that conditions like eczema and psoriasis are contagious. You can’t catch either from another person.
Understanding Eczema Triggers
There are many types of eczema, and each one is unique. While dermatologists can’t cure eczema, they can identify triggers and avoid them. The term trigger refers to something that aggravates or irritates eczema. They can be different for everyone. Common triggers include:
- Certain fabrics like wool, latex, and synthetic fabrics
- Metals like chromium, cobalt chloride, gold, nickel, and copper
- Perfumes and other scented products
- Pollen, dust mites, mold, and cigarette smoke
- Pet dander, insect bites and stings
- Changing temperatures, humidity levels, extreme heat or cold
- Stress
Eczema Specialist in Chevy Chase
If you believe you have eczema or have been diagnoses and need help managing your condition, please contact us. Dr. Cronin is an eczema specialist and can help you improve symptoms and calm your eczema.
Cronin Dermatology specializes in skin cancer treatment, lasers, cosmetic procedures, acne treatment, and anti-aging treatments. Contact us today for a one-on-one consultation!