How is eczema diagnosed?
There is no single test to see if you have eczema. First, your practitioner will thoroughly evaluate your medical and family history to determine if eczema could be affecting you. If you’re having a flare-up, they may also check your skin from head to toe.
Because allergies are known for triggering eczema, your allergist may conduct in-depth allergy testing that could involve drawing blood, performing a skin test, or both. In some cases, your practitioner might perform other types of skin testing, too, just to rule out similar conditions.
Is there a cure for eczema?
While doctors don’t have a cure for eczema, the team of specialists at The Allergy Clinic will strive to help you find relief and minimize future issues. Treatments are designed to alleviate redness and swelling and prevent future flare-ups. Your treatment plan might consist of oral or topical solutions or both. Treatments might include:
Oral eczema treatments
- Infection-fighting drugs, like antibiotics
- Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone
- Antihistamines or other allergy medications
- Vitamin D supplements if your blood level of vitamin D is low or suboptimal
Topical eczema solutions
- Corticosteroid creams or ointments
- Moisturizers that don’t irritate your skin
- Other ointments that don’t contain corticosteroids
Part of your eczema treatment plan will likely include learning how to avoid allergens and environmental issues that can worsen your flare-ups or make them occur more frequently.
Can I prevent eczema?
Depending on your family history and personal health history, you probably won’t be able to prevent every eczema outbreak. But there are several things you can do to decrease your risk of eczema flare-ups and reduce their severity. You can often prevent eczema by:
- Applying clinical-grade skin moisturizers
- Applying anti-itch creams
- Taking warm baths with soothing additives, like baking soda or colloidal oatmeal
- Avoiding soaps and laundry detergents that have dyes and perfumes
Since medical experts know that stress and anxiety can worsen eczema, the team at The Allergy Clinic might delve into your daily habits to help you find ways to de-stress. Learning meditation techniques and performing more physical activity can calm your nerves, which could ultimately help prevent further eczema flare-ups.
Get started on your eczema treatment at The Allergy Clinic today by calling your nearby office or scheduling an appointment online.
