ECZEMA / DERMATITIS

OVERVIEW

Eczema, also referred to as dermatitis, is a reaction pattern of the skin caused by inflammation of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. It commonly presents with dryness, scaling, redness, crusting, itching, or cracking and may be acute or chronic.

The skin is composed of two primary layers:

• The epidermis, which provides waterproofing, temperature regulation, and protection against infection
• The dermis, which provides structural support

Eczema develops when the epidermal barrier is disrupted, allowing excessive moisture loss and penetration of irritants or allergens. This barrier dysfunction leads to inflammation and visible skin changes such as dryness, flaking, redness, blistering, fissures, and secondary infection.

Eczema is not contagious, but it can significantly affect comfort, daily activities, and quality of life.

COMMON TYPES OF ECZEMA / DERMATITIS

The most frequently encountered forms include:

• Atopic Dermatitis
  The most common and chronic form of eczema, often associated with a personal or family history of allergies, asthma, or allergic rhinitis.
• Contact Dermatitis
  Inflammation caused by skin exposure to irritants (such as soaps or chemicals) or allergens (such as nickel, fragrances, or plants).
• Seborrheic Dermatitis
  Characterized by greasy, scaly patches, commonly affecting the scalp, face, and chest.
• Nummular Dermatitis
  Presents as coin-shaped, itchy, red patches, often involving the arms or legs.
• Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
  Characterized by small, intensely itchy blisters on the palms, soles, or sides of the fingers and toes.

Additional patterns of dermatitis may occur depending on age, underlying health conditions, and environmental factors.

DIAGNOSTIC CONSIDERATIONS

Diagnosis is primarily clinical and based on:

• Distribution and appearance of lesions
• Presence of itching and inflammation
• Exposure history and symptom triggers

Patch testing may be recommended when allergic contact dermatitis is suspected.

Biopsy is reserved for selected cases when the diagnosis is uncertain or when other conditions must be excluded.

MANAGEMENT APPROACH

Management of eczema and dermatitis begins with identification and avoidance of provoking factors whenever possible. Because dermatitis represents a reaction pattern rather than a single disease, treatment is individualized and may evolve over time.

Management strategies may include:

• Skin barrier repair and protection, including gentle cleansing and regular use of emollients
• Topical anti-inflammatory therapies for active flares
• Systemic treatments, in selected cases with more severe disease
• Phototherapy (UVB) for chronic or treatment-resistant dermatitis when topical therapy is insufficient
• Biologic therapies, in carefully selected patients with moderate to severe inflammatory disease who do not respond adequately to conventional treatment

Phototherapy and biologic therapies are not first-line treatments and are considered only when clinically appropriate after thorough evaluation.

Topical corticosteroids are commonly used to control inflammation, but:

• They do not treat the underlying cause
• They are used to control symptoms, not cure the condition
• They should be used sparingly and for limited durations
• Treatment is typically discontinued when lesions resolve and resumed during flares as directed

Education on skin care and trigger avoidance is essential for long-term control.

LONG-TERM EXPECTATIONS

Eczema and dermatitis often follow a chronic or recurrent course. While these conditions are not curable, periods of remission and good symptom control are commonly achievable with appropriate management.

Learning how to recognize triggers, maintain skin barrier health, and respond early to flares plays an important role in long-term outcomes.

CARE APPROACH

Our practice evaluates and manages eczema and dermatitis using a medical, diagnosis-driven approach. Care is individualized based on clinical findings, trigger identification, disease severity, and patient preferences.

Management may include education on skin care, avoidance of provoking factors, medical therapy when indicated, and ongoing monitoring for chronic or recurrent disease.

📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to schedule a consultation.

MEDICAL DISCLOSURE

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a personalized medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations vary based on individual clinical findings. Outcomes may vary, and no specific medical result can be guaranteed.