What is Eczema?
Eczema is an inflammatory disorder of the skin. It occurs as thick, dry patches of skin with flaking scale. Common triggers for eczema are often environmental things like dust mites, pollen, and animal dander. Eczema affects around 25% of children and a smaller proportion of adults. Clinically, eczema is also called atopic dermatitis, which means it’s an allergic reaction in the skin. Other skin symptoms might be itchy skin, skin discoloration, and bleeding. Generally, eczema occurs in particular body areas where flexing occurs. Similar to other skin conditions, eczema is caused by multiple factors.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common signs of eczema are:
- Crusting and oozing bumps and patches
- Dehydrated, itchy skin
- Red or darkened skin surrounding the rash
- Scratched, thickened skin
- Leathery, dry areas that are either lighter or darker than the normal skin tone (this is called lichenification)
- Thickened skin or scaling
- Eczema in kids under two years old usually begins on the face, neck, diaper area, or knees.
- In adults, it tends to be seen on the inside surfaces of the elbows and knees.
Causes of Eczema
A combination of environmental and hereditary factors causes eczema. In some people, eczema may be triggered by allergies. Exposure to certain allergens, irritants, and dry skin can worsen the symptoms, as can exposure to temperature changes, water, and stress.
Integrative Treatment For Eczema by Natural Dermatology Experts in Austin, Texas
If you are searching for the “best integrative dermatologist near me, ” you have landed on the right page. At the Nature of Skin Dermatology, our holistic dermatologists aim to heal the skin, decrease the symptoms, prevent flares, and prevent skin damage when treating eczema. Developing a skincare regimen, recognizing the flares that trigger eczema, and avoiding them is a large part of our integrative treatment plan for eczema. We recommend the following approaches.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle changes begin with avoiding everything that worsens the eczema, such as irritants and allergens. Common allergens are dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. Common skin irritants include materials like synthetic fibers and wool, and detergents. Here are some lifestyle changes you can start at home to help improve your eczema:
- Don’t rub or scratch the affected areas.
- Protect skin from irritants and rough clothing.
- Use relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
- Maintain stable humidity to keep your environment cool.
- Say no to hot showers or baths.
- Reduce water contact by bathing for 15 minutes or less.
- Use a nonsoap cleanser or a mild soap or less soap.
- Apply cream or lotion to moisturize within a few minutes of getting out of the shower to seal the moisture in your skin.
Medications
Anti-itch Lotions
- Mild anti-itch lotions like Calamine, Caladryl, or creams containing ceramides may alleviate scaly, dry skin patches.
- For areas where the skin is thickened, we treat with creams or ointments with anti-inflammatory properties and ingredients that soften or lubricate the skin.
Topical Corticosteroids
Our integrative dermatologists sometimes prescribe these for inflammation reduction in severe cases. When topical steroids are tapered off slowly they are much less likely to cause issues like topical steroid withdrawal or TWS syndrome. Long term use of topical steroids is not recommended due to issues like skin thinning or atrophy and persistent redness or irritation of the skin on stopping. Many patients do not want to use topical steroids, and we can recommend several different anti-inflammatory and barrier repair creams instead of using topical steroids.
Topical immunomodulators
These are newer drugs that we recommend for eczema patients to reduce inflammation. They are steroid-free. Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus are the most common TCIs that we prescribe at the Nature of Skin Dermatology. Another new topical cream is Opzelura. It’s a new kind of cream that works on a specific area of the immune system and does not cause the skin thinning or dependence of topical steroids.
Oral and topical antibiotics
These may be helpful if there are symptoms of infection like purulent material, pustules, and visible crusts. Some herbs have anti-bacterial properties and can sometimes be used to treat skin infection if it is not too severe.
Other Approaches:
Phototherapy and Photochemotherapy
We recommend treatment with UV light for mild to moderate cases of eczema in kids above 12 and adults. Our integrative dermatology specialists recommend Light therapy frequently for patients who cannot tolerate other treatments and are able to get phototherapy treatment 2-3 times a week.
Nutrition and Dietary Supplements
People with eczema may have food allergies or sensitivities; thus, eating a healthy diet can help reduce allergic reactions and inflammation. Some food items that result in allergic reactions are soy, dairy, peanuts, citrus, fish, wheat, gluten-containing grains, tomatoes, corn, and eggs. We do not recommend restricting these foods children because this can lead to severe allergies and anaphylaxis later in life. Allergy testing can be helpful for patients who find their eczema worsens with certain foods.
Eat less refined sugar and high carbohydrate foods. These foods can cause inflammation in the body. We recommend eating fresh vegetables, essential fatty acids, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and cold-water fish, and consumption of certain supplements like fish oil, probiotics, and vitamin D can help improve eczema.
Herbs
Herbs are an effective way to tone and strengthen your body’s systems. Our dermatologists sometimes recommend dried extracts such as teas, powders, capsules, tinctures, or glycerites. These are some herbs that we use in integrative treatment for eczema.
- Topical salves and creams containing one or more herbs may help alleviate burning and itching. Herbal medications like creams containing turmeric or chamomile can be helpful. It’s important to moisturize well with creams containing ceramides, which help to heal the skin barrier.
- We may recommend traditional Chinese medicines or Ayurvedic herbs to effectively treat eczema in kids over 5 and adults based on their symptoms.
Exercise
We encourage our patients to participate in regular group supporting activities for 3 weeks to improve the symptoms of eczema. Exercise helps alleviate the symptoms of eczema because of its positive impact on emotions. However, we recommend avoiding sports and excessive exercising during the worst stages of eczema as sweat can worsen eczema.
Mind-Body Medicine
Flares of eczema are linked with stress and anxiety. Our holistic skin doctors at the Nature of Skin Dermatology may recommend relaxation techniques to relieve the symptoms of eczema and minimize the number of flares.
Find the Best Holistic Skin Specialists at the Nature of Skin Dermatology
Seeking a deeper connection to your skin’s well-being? Dive into the Nature of Skin Dermatology world, where we seamlessly blend traditional dermatological practices with the wisdom of age-old evidence based practices. Whether you’ve been tirelessly searching for an ‘all-natural dermatologist near me’ or are curious about the offerings of a ‘holistic skin specialist,’ we’ve got you covered. As your nearby ‘natural skin doctor’, we take pride in our integrative approach, making us the preferred ‘organic dermatologist near me’ choice for many.
Our holistic dermatology clinic stands out in the vast sea of options, delivering natural and effective care. So, if you’ve been typing ‘dermatologist holistic near me’ in search of a solution, look no further.
Dive into a world where nature meets science and embark on a transformative journey with the most trusted holistic skincare experts. Schedule your appointment now, and let the harmonizing journey begin!
Disclaimer: The information provided on the site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
