Eczema and Other Rashes

More than 10 percent of Americans suffer from a dry, itchy, inflammatory skin condition called eczema. Although this chronic skin condition presents in many different ways, the most common type is a hereditary form known as atopic dermatitis. However, xerotic (or dry skin) eczema is a very common type of eczema in Oro Valley and Tucson, AZ, due to the arid desert climate.

The genetic form of this condition is most commonly seen in children, but eczema can affect people at any age. For some patients, symptoms are relatively mild, with skin that is variably dry, itchy, and red. In severe cases, the skin may bleed and crust, resulting in physical pain, infection, sleep disturbance, and embarrassment.

Do You Have Questions?

Request a consultation to get treatment for chronic inflammatory skin conditions like eczema in Tucson and Oro Valley, AZ, from Ironwood Dermatology. Call 520.618.1630 or submit a contact form.

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What Causes Eczema?

Dermatologists don't know what exactly causes eczema, but it is thought to be linked to a combination of several factors, including immune system activation, genetics, environmental triggers, and stress. It's possible that your skin may have a genetic variation that prevents it from staying hydrated and providing protection against bacteria, irritants, and allergens—but even though eczema may look similar to an allergic reaction, it is not one. It also isn’t contagious.

Since eczema is a chronic (long-lasting) condition, symptoms will flare up and calm down sporadically over time. The most common triggers that can cause flares include sweat, stress, dust, soaps, detergents, and pollen.

Symptoms can include scaly rashes that cover most of the body, including the creases of the elbows or knees or the nape of the neck, very dry skin, infections, and constantly itchy rashes.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Eczema?

Patients who have a family history of eczema, seasonal allergies, hay fever or asthma, an immune system that isn’t functioning properly, or defects in the skin barrier have a higher risk of having this condition. So do people who were born to older women, as well as those who live in a cold climate or an urban area with a high level of air pollution. Obesity can also make flare-ups more common.

What Types of Eczema Treatments Are Available in Oro Valley and Tucson, AZ?

There is no cure for eczema, but there are ways to cope with the symptoms and prevent flare-ups. It’s important that you identify and reduce exposure to triggers. There are also other steps patients can take to help avoid worsening symptoms, including moisturizing skin at least twice a day, taking shorter baths or showers, taking a diluted bleach bath, only using gentle soaps, and wearing soft fabrics.

Our providers can provide more detailed instructions for eczema treatment, as well as relief in the form of topical steroids, antihistamines, and other oral medications.

How Much Does Eczema Treatment in Tucson Cost?

Budgeting is always an important aspect of treatment that we will talk to our patients about during their appointment. Insurance companies will often provide cover for eczema treatments that are deemed medically necessary.

Other Types of Skin Rashes

Rashes are noticeable changes in the color or texture of the skin. Since there are many forms of skin rashes, the best method for identifying and treating a skin rash is to come in and see one of our providers so that we can identify what type you may have.

One of the most common skin rashes is contact dermatitis, which is characterized by redness, swelling, itching, and scaling in reaction to a substance that makes direct contact with the skin. The condition can develop at any age, although the facial version of the disorder is most often seen in young and middle-aged adults.

Treatment for skin rashes varies depending on the type of rash, but topical medications and antibiotics are frequently utilized to calm the symptoms. Because of the wide variety and causes of skin rashes, seeking treatment from one of our highly trained providers is the best method of effectively treating the condition.

Do You Have Questions?

Patients seeking treatment for a skin rash such as eczema in Tucson or Oro Valley, AZ, can contact Ironwood Dermatology by calling 520.618.1630 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation.

book a consultation