Eczema

Up to 30% of Americans have eczema, an inflammatory condition that causes red, itchy skin. At the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center in St. Charles, Illinois, allergy, asthma, and immunology specialists Priya Bansal, MD, and Haley Young, PA, offer various treatments for eczema, including biologic therapy for severe eczema and cutting-edge prescription Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Call the office to schedule an eczema consultation, or request an appointment online today.

What is eczema?

Eczema is a type of chronic inflammation characterized by patches of bumpy, itchy skin. Over time, it affects your skin’s ability to retain moisture, making you more susceptible to weather and temperature changes.

There’s no cure for eczema, but healthy lifestyle changes, trigger avoidance, and prescription medication can reduce flare-ups and improve your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Symptoms of eczema include:

• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Skin rash
• Bumps on your skin
• Thick, leathery skin
• Flaky, scaly, or crusty skin
• Swelling

Eczema can occur anywhere on your skin, but it’s especially common on the hands, arms, elbows, neck, and ears. 

What causes eczema to flare up?

Eczema affects everyone differently. Something that triggers your symptoms might not bother someone else and vice versa. Still, certain things tend to cause eczema flare-ups, such as:

• Dry weather (low humidity)
• Fabrics or clothing material
• Makeup or skin care products
• Smoke and pollutants
• Soaps and detergents
• Touching something you’re allergic too

Behavioral issues may also play a role, including feelings of stress or anxiety.

How is eczema diagnosed?

Your provider at the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center reviews your health history, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. Since eczema presents similar symptoms to other conditions, your provider also orders several tests, including allergy tests, blood tests, and a biopsy (to determine the type of dermatitis you have).

How is eczema treated?

Treatment of eczema depends on various factors, including the severity of your symptoms and the type of dermatitis. If you have mild symptoms, trigger avoidance and healthy lifestyle changes are often enough to reduce flare-ups.

If you regularly experience severe flare-ups, your provider may recommend a more advanced type of treatment, such as biologic therapy with XOLAIR®, DUPIXENT®, NUCALA®, or CINQAIR®. 

You may benefit from Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. This class of drugs was developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis but may also benefit people with certain types of severe eczema.

At first, it may take some trial and error to determine what types of medicine most benefit you. Follow your provider’s instructions and attend each of your appointments.

Call the Asthma and Allergy Wellness Center to learn more about the treatment of eczema, or request an appointment online today.