Eczema Specialist In Beverly Hills

What’s eczema? 

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a bothersome skin condition that causes extremely itchy, sometimes painful rashes. Symptoms often get worse at night, causing an overwhelming urge to itch that makes it hard to sleep; a severe eczema flareup can cause intense itching that breaks the skin and leaves it prone to infection.

Eczema is often thought of as a childhood skin disorder because more than 90% of people who have the condition developed it before their fifth birthday; even so, plenty of older kids, teens, and adults have eczema, too. 

Do eczema symptoms change with age?

Eczema looks different in infants, children, and adults. Infants who develop eczema before their first birthday typically get dry, red, scaly patches on their cheeks, forehead, and scalp; toddlers who develop the condition after their second birthday are more likely to get rashes behind their knees, in the creases of their elbows, or along their neck, wrists, or ankles. 

Even though only about half of the people who developed eczema as children continue to have symptoms as adults, those who do are more likely to experience dry, itchy rashes on their faces, necks, or around their eyes; they’re also more likely to develop bigger rashes over larger areas of skin.  

What causes eczema? 

Eczema is associated with a genetic variation that affects the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Many children with eczema have a family history of the disorder and/or a personal or family history of hay fever, asthma, or allergies. In some children, food allergies appear to trigger the condition. 

How can I manage my eczema?

When eczema persists into adolescence, it’s much more likely to continue into adulthood. But even though adult eczema is considered a long-term skin disease that can’t be cured, it can be controlled with the right approach. 

Getting proper treatment and adhering to an anti-eczema skin care routine is often all it takes to reduce or eliminate symptoms, avoid infections, and prevent flare-ups. An effective eczema treatment aims to:

• Ease inflammation, itching, and pain
• Clear infections and prevent new ones
• Gently loosen and remove scaly lesions
• Prevent new lesions from forming 

Depending on the nature and severity of your condition, the Rapaport Dermatology of Beverly Hills team may recommend oral antibiotics, topical anti-itch medication, anti-inflammatory injectable medications, or light therapy. 

If you’re ready to get your eczema under control, call your nearest Rapaport Dermatology of Beverly Hills office or schedule an appointment online today.