Eczema Specialist

Dermatology Consultants of Asheville, PLLC

Dermatology & Board Certified Dermatologists located in Asheville, Woodfin, NC

If you regularly get patches of dry, irritated, or itchy skin, you might have one or more of several forms of a skin disease called eczema. At Dermatology Consultants of Asheville in Woodfin, North Carolina, Jose Mendez, DO, and his team provide the most advanced techniques in eczema care. To treat your eczema and avoid a painful infection, call the dermatology practice or book an appointment online today.

Eczema Q&A

What is eczema?

Eczema is a common skin disease that causes rash-like patches of dry, irritated, and itchy skin. It often results in scaly skin or cracks that can bleed or ooze with pus. 

If you have eczema, it’s unlikely that you have rashes or patches all the time. Instead, the condition causes intermittent flare-ups with weeks, months, or even years between them with no symptoms. 

While there are many eczema skin conditions, the most common form of the disease is called atopic dermatitis and it affects about 10% of all people. 

Dermatology Consultants of Asheville can help you manage existing flare-ups and minimize future flare-ups using the latest methods in dermatological care. 

Which type of eczema do I have?

Dermatology Consultants of Asheville evaluates your skin and explores factors regarding your general health and medical history in order to diagnose you with the correct type of eczema. You may even have more than one form at the same time. 

These types of eczema differ in their symptoms and triggers:

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis usually starts during childhood and may stay through adulthood. It causes red, itchy, and dry rashes. 

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis involves typical eczema symptoms that develop after your skin touches an allergen. With contact dermatitis, allergies to soaps, fragrances, animal dander, wool, and other substances can irritate your skin. 

Dyshidrotic eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema often stems from stress, allergies, or contact with certain types of metal. The main symptom is blisters on your hands and feet. 

Nummular eczema

Nummular eczema causes dry, circular patches of itchy skin. They often appear in the winter when the air is dry or after you get an insect bite. 

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis — also called cradle cap in babies — causes flaky red rashes on the scalp, face, and chest.

Stasis dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis develops alongside poor blood flow in your leg veins. When this happens, fluid leaks out of your veins and irritates your skin, causing itchy and scaly skin. You might also develop open sores and infections without treatment. 

Which treatments should I consider for eczema?

Dermatology Consultants of Asheville offers clinical dermatology treatments for eczema, including pharmaceuticals. They may treat you with one or a combination of several of these options:

  • Topical steroids
  • Topical antibiotics
  • Oral corticosteroids
  • Biologics
  • Immunosuppressants
  • Narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy

Additionally, your provider can help you identify any triggers that regularly lead to eczema flare-ups. Once you know your triggers, you can avoid them to reduce your chances of a flare-up. 

Eczema can irritate your skin at any age. To find relief, call Dermatology Consultants of Asheville or request an appointment online today.