Eczema Treatment in Buffalo, NY | Lisa Ball, NP PLLC
Eczema is a common skin condition that can cause dry, itchy, irritated, and inflamed skin. Symptoms can range from mild dryness and occasional itching to persistent flare-ups that can affect your comfort and quality of life.
At Lisa Ball, NP PLLC at the Neiman Dermatology Building in Buffalo, NY, we evaluate your skin and develop an individualized treatment plan based on the type and severity of your eczema.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema refers to a group of conditions that can cause dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema and can affect both children and adults.
Eczema can occur on different areas of the body and may come and go over time. Some people experience occasional flare-ups, while others have persistent symptoms that require ongoing management.
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema can develop due to a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors. People with eczema may have a weakened skin barrier, which can make the skin more susceptible to dryness and irritation.
Several factors can trigger or worsen eczema symptoms, including:
- Dry weather or low humidity
- Heat and sweating
- Soaps, fragrances, and other irritating products
- Certain fabrics
- Stress
- Environmental changes
Triggers can vary from person to person, so identifying factors that contribute to your flare-ups may be an important part of managing eczema.
What Are the Symptoms of Eczema?
Eczema can look different from person to person depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Dry skin: Skin may become rough, flaky, or excessively dry.
- Itching: Persistent itching is one of the most common symptoms of eczema.
- Red or inflamed skin: Affected areas may appear red, irritated, or swollen.
- Rash: Eczema can cause patches or areas of irritated skin.
- Cracked or thickened skin: Repeated dryness and scratching can cause the skin to crack or become thicker over time.
Eczema Treatment Options
Eczema treatment depends on the type and severity of your symptoms. Your provider may recommend a combination of treatments to reduce inflammation, relieve itching, improve the skin barrier, and help prevent future flare-ups.
Treatment options may include:
- Prescription topical treatments
- Moisturizers and skincare recommendations
- Treatment to reduce inflammation and itching
- Recommendations to help identify and avoid individual triggers
- Additional medical treatment for persistent or more severe eczema
The goal of treatment is to control symptoms, improve the health of the skin, and help manage future flare-ups.
When Should You Seek Eczema Treatment?
You may benefit from professional eczema treatment if your symptoms are persistent, frequently returning, interfering with sleep or daily activities, or not improving with over-the-counter products.
Seeking treatment may also be appropriate if your skin becomes painful, cracked, or increasingly irritated.
Eczema Treatment in Buffalo, NY
At Lisa Ball, NP PLLC at the Neiman Dermatology Building, we provide personalized medical dermatology care for patients with a wide range of skin conditions, including eczema and atopic dermatitis.
Our practice serves patients throughout Buffalo and surrounding communities, including Williamsville, Amherst, Clarence, Orchard Park, and East Aurora.
During your visit, your provider will evaluate your skin and discuss your symptoms and treatment options based on your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eczema Treatment
What is the difference between eczema and atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, although eczema can refer to several different types of skin conditions.
What can trigger an eczema flare-up?
Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by factors such as dry skin, weather changes, heat, sweating, irritating skincare products, certain fabrics, and stress. Triggers vary from person to person.
Can adults develop eczema?
Yes. Although eczema commonly begins during childhood, adults can also develop eczema or continue to experience symptoms that began earlier in life.
Is eczema contagious?
No. Eczema is not contagious and cannot be spread from one person to another through physical contact.
Can eczema go away?
Eczema symptoms can improve or become less active for periods of time, but some people experience recurring flare-ups that require ongoing management. Treatment can help control symptoms and maintain healthier skin.
When should I see a provider for eczema?
If your eczema is persistent, worsening, interfering with sleep or daily activities, or not improving with over-the-counter products, a professional evaluation can help determine whether additional treatment may be appropriate.
