Eczema



Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, typically presents as an inflamed, itchy skin rash that can be limited to a few areas of the body or become widespread. Eczema can occur at any age but is most common in infants and young adults, where eczema symptoms may appear as dry, red, itchy and scaly patches on the face, creases of the elbows or back of the knees. Severe or untreated cases may become bumpy and red. The skin may also become thickened due to continual scratching. About 50% of patients are affected throughout life while some patients outgrow the condition.

The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but research shows that eczema tends to run in families, particularly in those with allergies, asthma or hay fever. Many patients with eczema also tend to have skin allergies to various products.

Dr. Schlessinger has been involved in eczema research for many years and understands how to treat and provide relief from this sometimes chronic condition. In addition to examining the skin and rash, Dr. Schlessinger can perform skin testing for allergies and contact dermatitis and has the ability to test for many common allergens to determine the best treatment for you.

There is no cure for eczema, but proper treatment can control and provide relief for patients with eczema. Dr. Schlessinger and Skin Specialists carry several effective moisturizers for the treatment of eczema, as well as products specially formulated to treat eczema symptoms.

Products available through Dr. Schlessinger and Skin Specialists for treatment of eczema



Contact Skin Specialists today for an evaluation of your dry skin condition and a personalized eczema treatment plan. Email us for an appointment or call us at 402-334-SKIN (7546) or toll free at 1-800-757-7546.




Dr. Schlessinger answers your frequently asked questions about eczema


Will daily showering or bathing dry my skin out?

Yes and no. It is better to take a bath than to shower, but it is also important to moisturize immediately after you bathe. If you do choose to shower, make sure you use lukewarm (not hot!) water and immediately towel dry by patting yourself rather than rubbing yourself dry. In young children, the use of closed pajamas over slightly moist skin can be effective in "sealing in" the moisturizers. Additionally, in young children it isn't necessary to bathe daily, so it is best to bathe every 2-3 days or when exposed to dirty situations.

Can I use soap?

Yes, but make sure it is gentle and non-fragranced. Soap isn't EVER going to help your eczema, but it can definitely hurt your eczema. For this reason, it is important to choose soap wisely. The worst soap to use is one that smells great and looks fantastic. Generally, the more boring and dull a soap the better job it will do on your skin.

In addition, don't use a washcloth to clean and NEVER use a loofah sponge. This is a very irritating and traumatic thing to do to already challenged skin.

Tip: Dr. Schlessinger recommends Vanicream Cleansing Bar to his patients if they have very dry skin.

Are there any medications that will help the itching?

Yes, antihistamines taken orally, such as Benadryl or Claritin, can sometimes help control itching. If you are itching severely, consider taking one of these medications or using a cream such as Sarna Sensitive Anti-Itch Lotion.

Are lotions or creams better to use?

Actually, ointments are the best. In dermatology, it is noted that lotions work the least effectively of all topical medications, while creams are a little better and ointments are best. Sadly, most patients gravitate to the easiest treatments, which usually end up being lotions.

Tips: Dr. Schlessinger recommends EltaMD Melting Moisturizer in his clinic to patients with the most severe cases, and it frequently allows medications to work better. This terrific moisturizer seals in the moisture effectively and helps to heal the skin.

For individuals who have to wash their hands frequently, Dr. Schlessinger recommends TheraSeal Hand Protection, which acts as a liquid glove to protect hands. This is particularly helpful for healthcare workers/nurses, hairdressers and moms who wash their hands frequently.

What sunscreen is best to use for my dry skin?

EltaMD UV Pure SPF 47 is a new sunscreen that is free of all dyes, parabens, glutens, hormones, oils and fragrances, and it's also sensitivity-free and noncomedogenic, so it won't clog pores. This product works great for patients with eczematous skin. It goes on white, so there is a residue on the skin, but it acts to heal the skin at the same time it is protecting the skin. Tip: Another one of Dr. Schlessinger's favorites is Vanicream Sunscreen.

Is there a certain shampoo that is best to use?

Yes, Free & Clear Shampoo and Conditioner are great for persons with eczema. These products are free of many of the preservatives and fragrances that wreak havoc on sensitive skin. Both products are formulated without dyes, fragrance, parabens, lanolin, formaldehyde and irritating preservatives.

Tip: Dr. Schlessinger recommends Free & Clear Shampoo and Free & Clear Conditioner.

How do I know if allergies are causing the dry skin?

There isn't any way to know for sure if you don't allergy test the skin. These tests, although expensive, can be extremely helpful. They are done over a period of about 4 days and involve putting patches on the skin that help to determine whether you are allergic to an item. Typically, 36-72 items are tested at one time. While not all items have a "test patch", most of the more common irritants/allergens have a test patch.

Contact Skin Specialists today for an evaluation of your dry skin condition and a personalized eczema treatment plan. Email us for an appointment or call us at 402-334-SKIN (7546) or toll free at 1-800-757-7546.