Skin problems can be extremely uncomfortable and fairly embarrassing due to their high visibility. Atopic dermatitis is a fairly common problem that is popularly known as eczema. While this is a somewhat common condition for patients to experience, there are many misconceptions when it concerns the steps that these patients will be able to take to lessen these symptoms and to make this condition more manageable.

What Are The Symptoms Of Atopic Dermatitis?

The symptoms of atopic dermatitis will typically involve the development of itchy red patches of skin. Over time, these patches can grow in thickness, and they can also increase in size. For most patients, these patches of skin can also be extremely itchy, which can lead to excessive scratching that may result in bleeding.

Can Atopic Dermatitis Flare-Ups Cause Permanent Skin Damage?

Depending on the severity of your atopic dermatitis symptoms, you may find that this condition can leave permanent damage. In particular, patients that suffer from severe atopic dermatitis can find that they are very prone to developing scars along the areas of the skin where their flare-ups are the most likely to occur. Aggressively managing the symptoms of atopic dermatitis is one of the most effective solutions for limiting the risk of scars being left behind when a flare-up occurs. Furthermore, a person will have to learn to avoid scratching eczema as this can substantially worsen the damage that occurs to the skin. If you find that the urge to scratch is too great to resist, you may want to use gauze, pads, or other protection to reduce your ability to scratch the skin.

Are There Any Treatments Available For Patients With Chronic Atopic Dermatitis?

While it may not be possible to completely cure eczema, there are treatment options available that can substantially reduce the severity of the symptoms that people experience. This is often achieved through the use of specialized creams that can help to soothe the skin so that a flare-up will be less damaging and shorter. While there are some eczema creams that are available over the counter, patients may find that prescription-strength eczema creams can be far more effective for managing the worst of their symptoms. These creams will need to be used regularly to limit the ability of an eczema outbreak to occur as well as throughout the entirety of the flare-up. For the best results, the skin should be thoroughly cleaned before each application of the cream.

For more information on atopic dermatitis disease resources, contact a dermatologist near you.