Understanding Eczema: Symptoms, Triggers, and Treatments

Parks Dermatology Center is a skilled team of experts who can help with eczema if you live in Ormond Beach, FL (Lakebridge Plaza), Ormond Beach, FL (Granada Blvd), Port Orange, FL, New Smyrna Beach, FL, Palm Coast, FL, or Orange City, FL. Here’s what you need to know about this condition.

Symptoms

If you think you or someone you love has this condition, watching for various symptoms first is essential. After all, rashes and other types of skin problems are common and could easily be mistaken for it. Here are a few of the biggest and most important signs to watch:

• Dry and cracked skin 
• Itchiness in the affected area
• Raised bumps 
• Brown or black skin 
• Oozing
• Crusting 
• Thickened skin 
• Darkened skin around the eyes 
• Raw and sensitive skin caused by scratching

Triggers

At Parks Dermatology Center, we can help you understand your eczema triggers in Ormond Beach, FL (Lakebridge Plaza), Ormond Beach, FL (Granada Blvd), Port Orange, FL, New Smyrna Beach, FL, Palm Coast, FL, and Orange City, FL, to help you avoid outbreaks. While it’s not always possible, paying close attention to these factors may significantly reduce your risk of reactions:

• Food allergies, particularly if you try handling foods to which you have extreme reactions 
• Extreme cold or heat (both can be equally problematic for many people)
• Hormonal changes (common in people throughout various points in life)
• Skin infections that spread across the skin, as well as rashes and other issues 
• Emotional stress, which can cause rashes that may become more severe 
• Airborne allergens, including pollution, cigarette smoke, etc. 
• Smoking regularly, as this can cause skin irritation and other adverse reactions 
• Irritants, such as injuries to the skin or other types of annoying items 
• Sweat, which can dry out the skin and lead to breakouts of this condition 

Causes

This condition can seem somewhat mysterious; doctors aren’t sure why some people get it, and others don’t. However, we’ve narrowed down several vital factors that may make it more painful and hard to tolerate. These include things like:

• Genetic Predisposition: Some people are just born more likely to develop this condition, so if you have family members with it, you may get it.
• Personal Environment: Living in a big city with pollutants like smog, tobacco smoke, and skin care products can significantly increase your risk, as can living in a dry or cooler area.
• Reactions: Unfortunately, people with allergies or overactive immune systems might have a higher risk of developing this condition.

Help Is Available

At Parks Dermatology Center, we can treat your eczema in Ormond Beach, FL (Lakebridge Plaza), Ormond Beach, FL (Granada Blvd), Port Orange, FL, New Smyrna Beach, FL, Palm Coast, FL, and Orange City, FL. Call (386) 677-9044 to learn how we can help you.