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Eczema Specialist

Chico Dermatology

Dermatology & Aesthetics located in Chico, CA

Patches of red skin that burn or sting are more than just uncomfortable: They can make you feel unattractive and insecure. At Chico Dermatology in Chico, California, O. Jay On, PA-C, can give you tips and treatments to subdue your eczema symptoms and help you avoid future flare-ups. If you’re in pain or discomfort because of eczema on your skin, don’t hesitate to call Chico Dermatology or go online to book an appointment today.

Eczema

What is eczema?

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes relentless irritation on patches of skin for nearly 35 million Americans. The condition often starts to show up during childhood and symptoms come and go throughout adulthood, decreasing as you age.

The simplest definition for eczema is patchy skin irritation, but it’s much more than that. Common symptoms of eczema include:

  • Itchiness
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Raised bumps
  • Skin cracking
  • Scales
  • Crustiness
  • Clear fluid leaking from your skin
  • Trouble sleeping because of the irritation

The condition has earned itself a quirky nickname: “the itch that rashes.” This is because the symptoms worsen if you scratch at your patches. 

How did I get eczema?

You get eczema because of a genetic predisposition. If you have family members with eczema, odds are you’ll get some symptoms, too. 

Normal skin has the duty of retaining hydration and protecting the rest of your body from invasive bacteria, viruses, and irritants. If you have eczema, your skin can’t adequately provide this protection, leaving you more prone to skin reactions.

What are my treatment options for eczema?

At Chico Dermatology, O. Jay may prescribe you with one or more treatments to alleviate your symptoms. After your symptom assessment and consultation, he may recommend or offer you:

  • Corticosteroid cream
  • Antibiotic cream
  • Oral inflammation controlling drugs
  • Light therapy
  • Lifestyle adjustments

These and other treatments reduce your current symptoms. Some of them fight potential infections that can occur if bacteria enters any open sores on your affected skin.

How can I prevent a future eczema flare-up?

You don’t have to sit back and wait for your next patch of irritated skin to appear. To keep eczema symptoms at bay, O. Jay recommends:

  • Moisturizing your skin often
  • Identifying and avoiding irritants and allergens
  • Using gentle soaps and other skin care products 
  • Taking short baths or showers
  • Using lukewarm water to wash yourself, not hot

Taking these steps doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get a flare-up, but they can reduce your chances and keep current patches from getting worse. You should also avoid itching, rubbing, or scratching your eczema whenever possible.

Eczema on yourself or on your child can get worse if you’re not careful, but it’s easy to alleviate your symptoms with some simple treatments. To clear your skin and stop the itching, call Chico Dermatology or book your appointment online today.