Eczema Specialist

Itching from eczema can be so severe it interferes with your ability to sleep or enjoy your favorite activities. Dermatologist Tarek M. Fakhouri, MD, provides personalized eczema treatment plans for patients of all ages at Skin Cancer Specialists in Sugar Land, Texas. If you or a loved one suffers from eczema, call or book an appointment online today.

Eczema Q & A

What is eczema?

Eczema is a general term that describes many types of skin problems. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which is a skin condition that causes red, itchy rashes. Eczema is a long-lasting (chronic) condition that often emerges during childhood.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Eczema symptoms tend to flare up periodically and then subside for a stretch of time. Symptoms vary from person-to-person, but may include:

Dry, itchy skin
Rashes
Redness
Swelling
Skin that may crack and seep fluid
Thick, crusty skin
Scaly skin

Rashes often appear on the face, creases of the elbows and knees, or hands and feet. Itching from eczema can become so severe that it interferes with your daily life. Scratching often irritates the rashes and may cause your skin to crack, seep fluid, and crust over.

What causes eczema?

Eczema isn’t contagious, so you can’t catch it by touching someone who has it. You’re more likely to develop eczema if someone in your family has it, which suggests it’s related to a genetic variation that affects your skin’s ability to stay hydrated.

People with a personal or family history of asthma, hay fever, or other allergies are at higher risk of getting eczema. Certain factors, such as stress and exposure to anything that irritates your skin may trigger an eczema flare-up.

How do you diagnose and treat eczema?

Dr. Fakhouri diagnoses eczema by performing a thorough physical exam and reviewing your medical history. He may ask if anyone in your family suffers from allergies, including hay fever or asthma. Then, Dr. Fakhouri works with you to identify factors that may trigger your particular eczema symptoms. He may ask if you notice rashes appear after eating a certain food or touching a certain substance. Discovering your eczema triggers is important because you may be able to reduce future flare-ups by avoiding them. Avoiding triggers is a key part of ongoing eczema care, but Dr. Fakhouri may also recommend treatment, such as:

Light therapy
Medicated skin creams
Oral medications
Lifestyle changes to reduce stress

Dr. Fakhouri also teaches you methods to keep your skin hydrated at home, such as switching to a mild soap and moisturizing on a daily basis. If you or a loved one has red, itchy rashes, call or book an appointment online today.