Eczema

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease that often appears in children and can occur in adults. Most people develop eczema before the age of 5 and rarely it starts as an adult. If there is a family history of atopic dermatitis, asthma, or hay fever there is higher chance of a child developing it. Eczema usually appears as pink or red, dry, and scaly patches on the skin. It can appear differently in infants, children, and adults. In infants it can appear on the face and scalp sometimes with oozing and weeping fluid. In children after the age of 2 the rash often begins in the creases of the elbows and knees. Other common areas include the ankles, wrists, neck, and buttocks. About half of children with atopic dermatitis continue to have it as an adult. In adults the lesions appear in the creases of the elbows or knees and nape of the neck but also can be anywhere on the body. Occasionally it can be especially bad around the eyes. Hand eczema can also occur. Eczema can lead to skin infections, trouble sleeping, and thickened darker or lighter skin in patients who’ve had eczema for years. Treatment? There is no cure but ways to control the itching, reduce skin inflammation, clear any possible infection and reduce new lesions from forming. Dr. Hayag can help you alleviate and manage your symptoms by providing a treatment plan to include proper skin care, medications, and lifestyle changes.