Managing Eczema Flare-Ups

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that can be very uncomfortable. Eczema flare-ups can happen at any time and can wax and wane over time. Allergy Associates of Utah is an allergy, asthma, and immunology specialty clinic serving the greater Salt Lake City, Utah, area with 2 convenient locations in Sandy and West Jordan. Led by specialists Andrew Smith, MD, MS, and Tara Sarin, MD, the practice strives to help people of all ages and backgrounds achieve success.

What You Need To Know About Eczema

The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. You are at greater risk of developing eczema if you have a family history of atopic conditions-asthma, allergic, environmental allergies, eczema, food allergies, etc. Eczema is due to a barrier defect in the skin. While more common in infants and children, it can persist into adulthood and occur at any age. Eczema can be worsened by:

• Exposure to an environmental allergen
• Chronically dry skin
• Immune system conditions
• Chemical exposure and other environmental factors

Eczema causes obvious and uncomfortable signs and symptoms like these:

• Frequent, severe itching, which can worsen at night
• Swollen, inflamed, red, raw areas of skin
• Dry, cracked, or scaly patches of skin in different areas
• Eczema can present differently in infants and children such as bumpy skin
• Bumps on your skin that drain fluid and develop a crust afterward can suggest an infection
• Thickened skin secondary to chronic scratching or rubbing

You to try to prevent eczema flare-ups if you:

• Always keep your skin moisturized including sunscreen
• Avoid direct, intense sunlight and exposure to cold or wind
• Avoid aeroallergens you are allergic to
• Protect your skin when you are around harsh chemicals
• Use only gentle cleansing products and cosmetics on your skin
• Manage stress as stress has been shown to worsen symptoms

You should seek out the help of your Allergist/Immunologist if your eczema doesn’t respond to home treatments or if your eczema is getting worse. Professional treatments your provider may recommend include:

• Prescription-strength topical medications such as corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors
• Antihistamines for the itch
• Antibiotic medications if an infection is present
• Injectable or oral anti-inflammatory medications to eliminate inflammation
• Wet wraps

Want To Know More About Managing Eczema Flare-Ups?

To discover more about managing eczema flare-ups, call Andrew Smith, MD, MS, and Tara Sarin, MD, at Allergy Associates of Utah, serving the greater Salt Lake City, Utah, areas with locations in Sandy and West Jordan, UT. Request an appointment in the Sandy, Utah, location by calling (801) 263-8700, or in West Jordan, Utah, by calling (801) 282-8700. You can also make an appointment online. Schedule at either Allergy Associates of Utah location for expert allergy and immunology care today.