Help us spread awareness for Eczema Awareness Month this October! Eczema, also known as Atopic Dermatitis, is a prevalent condition affecting over 31 million people in the United States. It often starts in childhood and can persist into adolescence and adulthood. Eczema manifests as scaly patches on the skin, commonly found on the cheeks, scalp, hands, and other areas.

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis

Symptoms may include:

• Dry, scaly patches on the skin
• Extreme itching, especially at night
• Fluid-filled blisters where scratching has occurred
• Thickened or cracked skin

Atopic dermatitis may be genetic. It may also be related to food or other types of allergies in some people, including hay fever and asthma.

Complications of Atopic Dermatitis

Complications may include:

• Poor sleep (due to night itching)
• Infection of open sores
• Contact dermatitis (allergic skin reactions)

If you suspect any complications, please see your doctor to rule out infection or another skin condition.

Managing Atopic Dermatitis

Phototherapy has long been known to be a great resource when combatting the symptoms of eczema, and with the availability of home phototherapy, treatment has never been more convenient. In addition, a recent study in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment suggests that once topical creams and steroids have failed or present adverse reactions, phototherapy should be utilized due to phototherapy’s positive impact on the condition and lack of impactful, or long-lasting, side-effects. 

To read more about this study, click here

Learn more about phototherapy and how it can help you take control of  your eczema by clicking here.

Sources:

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/atopic-dermatitis

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273