Aspirus Dermatologist Offers Eczema Relief Options
October is National Eczema Awareness Month
10/21/2024
Dr. Abigail Taub, Aspirus Dermatologist
Eczema, also known
as atopic dermatitis, affects millions of Americans every year, often causing
persistent discomfort and disruption to daily life. The condition is
characterized by dry, itchy skin, which may weep clear fluid when scratched,
making daily management a challenge for both children and adults. According to
the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), eczema
affects 10 to 30 percent of children and two to 10 percent of adults in the
United States.
"Eczema is more
prevalent in children, but anybody can be prone to it," says Abigail
Taub, MD, a dermatologist with Aspirus Health. "By age one, many
children start to grow out of their eczema, but they may continue to have
sensitive skin throughout their life."
Managing
Eczema
Eczema is linked to
a defect in filaggrin, a protein responsible for helping skin cells bond and
retain moisture. Without it, skin barriers weaken, making the skin more
susceptible to irritants, allergens, and environmental conditions such as dry
air and fragranced products.
To manage symptoms,
Dr. Taub recommends starting with dry skin care. “We advise people to take
lukewarm baths or showers, pat the skin dry, and immediately apply a
moisturizer,” she says. "Plain Vaseline or creams are more effective than
lotions." For more severe cases, prescription steroid creams or newer
injectable medications may be necessary.
When to Seek
Help
Living with eczema
can significantly impact quality of life, causing issues such as sleep
disturbances, missed school days, and even emotional challenges like
depression.
“If eczema symptoms
persist or worsen, it’s important to consult a dermatologist,” advises Dr.
Taub. “There are a lot more treatment options now for eczema than there were a
few years ago. It’s a good reason to see a dermatologist.”
Aspirus Health
provides comprehensive dermatology services, including expert care for eczema
and other skin conditions. For more information or to schedule an appointment
with an Aspirus Health dermatologist, visit aspirus.org/dermatology or call the
Aspirus Customer Contact Center at 800-847-4707.
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