October is Eczema Awareness Month
FORT MYERS, FL. – October is Eczema Awareness Month. Eczema is prevalent, with more than 31 million Americans having some form of eczema. Florida Skin Center, skin care specialists that provide a full range of medical and cosmetic dermatological care, offers answers to the most frequently asked questions about eczema.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition characterized by the inflammation of the skin, which may include itchiness and bleeding. The most common symptom of eczema is a rash that appears behind the knees and on the arms. Symptoms typically mimic those of dry skin, with often severe itching at night. In addition, scratching can lead to thick, sensitive, or cracked skin and infection.
What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic form of eczema that typically begins during childhood. Those who have atopic dermatitis may have sensitive skin and may be prone to eczema breakouts. Most people who develop this condition inherit a predisposition to eczema.
What is contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a form of eczema that develops in reaction to skin irritation. The response can be from wearing jewelry or from skin care and make-up products.
“If you notice eczema symptoms, the first course of action would be to identify and avoid things that can cause a flare-up,” said Shirisha Vallarapu, PA. “Eczema triggers are unique for each person. A few of the most common triggers include makeup, lotions, scented soaps, foods (particularly for children), sweat, detergents, and common allergens like dust and pollen. “
“Additional tips to avoid flare-ups are moisturizing your skin twice a day to help the skin retain moisture and avoiding prolonged exposure to hot water in the shower or bath that can dry out the skin,” said Vallarapu. “If this doesn’t help, your skin care provider can assess the symptoms and the patient’s medical history to diagnose eczema.”
How is eczema treated?
Florida Skin Center uses topical treatments and light box therapy for eczema treatment. If severe, oral medications are used.
For patients that are experiencing widespread symptoms, light box therapy may be recommended. This treatment uses UVB light to gently and safely treat larger areas of eczema. The light boxes are safe for children and adults.
Those undergoing light box therapy to treat larger areas will stand in our UVB booth surrounded by UVB light bulbs that emit painless light waves to treat the skin. Some guests experience mild redness after treatment, although this typically fades within a few hours.”
There is no downtime required after treatment, and guests will begin to notice a reduction in itching and inflammation and less frequent eczema breakouts after several sessions.
“Eczema is a condition that can cause both emotional and physical discomfort, although symptoms can be effectively managed with the right treatments,” said Vallarapu. “We invite anyone suffering from eczema to schedule an appointment so that we can develop a personalized treatment plan.”
FSC is also partnering with Clinical Study Center in a clinical research study on an investigational medication to treat atopic dermatitis. To learn more about criteria for the study and to enroll, visit www.clinicalstudycenter.com/atopic-dermatitis.
FSC offers an annual complimentary full-body skin check by appointment. Mention the complimentary skin check when making an appointment. Any skin concerns are evaluated at that time.
Narrowband UVB therapy and are available in select FSC offices.
Recognized for two consecutive years by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) and Neutrogena® Choose Skin Health program as Top Screener for free skin checks, Florida Skin Center focuses on medical excellence and guest service. Florida Skin Center was also named a 2020 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in the nation.
Florida Skin Center has offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, and Punta Gorda. All locations offer readily available same-week and early-morning appointments. In addition, ft. Myers and Cape Coral offices are open on select Saturdays. Appointment scheduling and text messaging are available online at FloridaSkinCenter.com or call (239) 561-3376. Follow Florida Skin Center on Facebook and Instagram.
About Florida Skin Center
Florida Skin Center opened its doors in 2001. With offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Punta Gorda, the dermatology practice provides comprehensive medical services to diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail disorders. Procedures for aesthetic and cosmetic concerns are also available. Recognized for two consecutive years by the ASDS and Neutrogena® Choose Skin Health program as the Top Screener in the U.S. for free skin checks, Florida Skin Center maintains a focus on medical excellence and guest service.
All locations offer readily available same-week and early-morning appointments. In addition, ft. Myers and Cape Coral offices are open on select Saturdays. Appointment scheduling and text messaging are available online at FloridaSkinCenter.com or call (239) 561-3376. Follow Florida Skin Center on Facebook and Instagram.
