Jump To
Patients who are experiencing itchiness, redness, dryness, and irritation of the skin may be suffering from a skin condition called eczema. Once it has been diagnosed, eczema can be treated to manage discomfort and visible symptoms. Patients can learn more about treatment options for eczema in Boston by contacting the Westford Dermatology & Cosmetic Center.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a common skin condition. It affects millions of people all over the world and has a fairly wide scope in terms of who it can affect and when it comes up. There are also several types of eczema that affect certain demographics more than others, depending on factors like ethnicity, environment, and age.
For example, many adult patients report having this skin condition since early childhood. In other cases, patients simply seemed to develop eczema out of nowhere. This can be due to exposure to certain environmental factors, an unhealthy lifestyle, the natural aging process, or late onset of predisposition to the skin condition.
Symptoms of Eczema
Patients can typically tell that they are suffering from eczema when they have itchy skin that is showing signs of dryness and redness. The skin can also start developing scaly or thickened patches. Hyperpigmentation can be a symptom as can the appearance of fluids if the itchy areas are scratched.
What Causes Eczema?
The cause of eczema can be linked to several factors, including the patient’s genes, which can predispose them to the skin condition from the start. Eczema could also be a symptom of a problem with the patient’s immune system. In some children, food allergies may affect eczema flare-ups.
Who Is at Risk of Eczema?
A certain percentage of the population will always be at risk of having eczema due to their genes. A family history of asthma, hay fever, and/or eczema increases a patient’s risk for this skin condition. Eczema could suddenly crop up regardless of how old the patient is if they start having immune system problems.
Your Consultation
A consultation with a dermatologist is the best first step in finding relief from eczema symptoms. Your consultation will include a physical examination of the affected area(s). In some cases, an allergy skin test and/or blood test may be needed to determine the cause of your symptoms and identify the optimal treatment approach.
Treating Eczema
There are many ways that eczema can be treated depending on the severity of the skin condition. For mild cases, simply keeping the skin moisturized may be enough. A change in hygiene and skincare habits can be another viable option. For severe cases, topical solutions might be prescribed, which can come in the form of creams, gels, foams, or ointments.
How Much Do Eczema Treatments Cost?
The price of eczema treatments depends on the severity of the symptoms and the type of treatment involved. Cost information will be reviewed with patients during their consultation.
Contact Us for Your Eczema Consultation
To explore your treatment options for eczema in Boston, schedule a consultation with Westford Dermatology & Cosmetic Center today. We look forward to helping you feel and look your best!
