Atopic Eczema in Orange County

Atopic eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that is common in young children but can occur at any age. It can look different on different people. For example, the rash can look purple, brown, or gray if you have a dark skin tone. If your skin tone is light, it can look pink, red, or purple.

While the condition is common, there are strategies we can use to help reduce the symptoms. We encourage you to call us today and schedule your consultation with cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Lenore Sikorski to learn more about treating atopic eczema in Orange County.

What Is Atopic Eczema?

Atopic eczema is the most common form of atopic dermatitis. It is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and itchy skin. While it can occur anywhere, it is more common where your skin bends, like inside your elbow or behind your knees. It can also show up on your feet, toes, arms, legs, eyelids, lips, hands, and fingers.

While the symptoms vary from person to person, they typically include itching, swelling, dry skin, and small, fluid-filled bumps or crusting. Scratching the area can cause your skin to break open and develop sores.

Atopic eczema has more than one cause and can make your skin more sensitive and vulnerable to irritants and environmental factors. Atopic eczema in Orange County is not contagious, so you cannot spread it to another person. It causes your immune system to overreact, but it is not an autoimmune condition.

What Triggers Atopic Eczema?

Atopic eczema can be triggered by various factors that differ from person to person. Patch testing can sometimes identify the specific allergens that trigger flare-ups. We also recommend keeping track of your symptoms alongside exposure to common triggers so you can identify patterns and the factors that trigger your outbreaks.

Environmental factors, like weather changes, pollen, and airborne allergens, can trigger eczema, especially if you have other allergies. Cold, dry weather depletes moisture from your skin and hot, humid weather can cause sweating, both of which irritate the skin and increase the risk of a flare-up.

Environmental factors that irritate the skin can also trigger your atopic eczema. For example, harsh soaps, laundry detergents, and cleaning products can irritate your skin and strip it natural oils. Scented lotions, perfumes, and products with dyes can also irritate the skin.

You may find certain fabrics cause a flare-up, such as wool or synthetic fabrics. Many people find breathable cotton fabrics reduce the risk of a flare-up. Some people find common food allergies can trigger symptoms. Stress, anxiety, and skin infections can also worsen your symptoms. Changes in your hormone levels during pregnancy, menstruation, or puberty, can trigger a flare-up, as can certain foods or high mineral content in hard water.

How Can I Treat My Atopic Eczema?

Atopic eczema in Orange County is often diagnosed after a physical examination. Sometimes, you may be offered allergy testing to rule out other conditions and identify some of your triggers. The treatment developed for your ectopic eczema will be unique to you.

Identifying some of your triggers is crucial so you can avoid them. To keep sensitive skin hydrated throughout the day, use moisturizers for sensitive skin and apply any topical medications Dr. Sikorski prescribes.

Take care to use moisturizers that are hypoallergenic and fragrance and dye-free. They should be marketed for sensitive skin. They can contain petroleum jelly or mineral oil but should not include preservatives or stabilizers. While managing your symptoms can be challenging, you do have some influence over your environment and stress level. Your goal is to reduce the itching and discomfort while preventing additional flare-ups.

Learn More About Atopic Eczema in Orange County

Atopic eczema can be challenging to deal with. When it is in an easily visible place, you might also find it embarrassing. We encourage you to call our office today and schedule your consultation with Dr. Sikorski to learn more about how we can help reduce symptoms of your ectopic eczema in Orange County.