Eczema

Eczema is a common yet treatable skin condition. Eczema results in itchy and dry skin in both children and adults, and while typically the condition doesn’t cause serious health complications, it is often very uncomfortable. The itching may interfere with sleep and may affect patients’ daily activities. Dr. Rashel Goodkin is an expert in dermatology, and understands how to treat eczema and offer relief for her patients in the Boston area.

What is Eczema?

Eczema results from inflammation in the skin caused by the immune system and produces itching. A type of eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. The condition is common among children, but patients at any age may experience eczema. Eczema is a chronic condition, meaning that it is long-lasting, though it’s common to experience periodic flare-ups that subside. Eczema is often experienced by patients who also have seasonal allergies or asthma. It very often improves with age, and may even go away as children become older.

Common symptoms of eczema include:

• Dry skin
• Itching
• Red or brown/gray patches on the skin, especially on the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, knees, neck, upper chest, or eyelids. In infants, these patches may also occur on the face or scalp.
• Small bumps which may leak fluid or crust due to scratching
• Sensitive, swollen, or raw skin due to scratching

How is Eczema Treated?

Dr. Goodkin will first diagnose your eczema through a simple visual exam. The first option is typically a topical treatment such as a corticosteroid cream followed by moisturizing the area. Patients may also be prescribed creams containing calcineurin inhibitors, which affect the immune system and control skin reactions for patients above the age of 2. These should be applied after moisturizing as directed by Dr. Goodkin. Dr. Goodkin will also discuss your skin regimen with you and recommend the best products to use to avoid a flare of eczema.

Other treatment options include oral medications to control inflammation, such as corticosteroids, narrow band UVB treatments, or the new injectable treatment for eczema called dupilumab or Dupixent. These are generally reserved for patients with very severe eczema symptoms.

If an infection is present, Dr. Goodkin may also prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications as needed. This is typically only necessary for those with open sores or cracks due to their eczema, and antibiotics are only necessary for a short time.

When Should I See a Dermatologist for Eczema?

For some patients, eczema symptoms can be relieved simply by using a gentle, over-the-counter moisturizer. However, if your symptoms are more severe and effect your daily life, such as disrupting sleep, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Goodkin. It’s also important to schedule an appointment if you suspect you have developed an infection based on signs like pus or abnormal discoloration.

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment for eczema treatment, call Dr. Rashel Goodkin’s office at 781.227.7977 or request your appointment online.