Get the Eczema care you need from the comfort of home with a telehealth visit.
Get the Eczama care you need from the comfort of home with a telehealth visit.
Eczema is one of the many dermatology conditions we treat through our telehealth appointments at Tennessee Telehealth. Learn more about eczema conditions, symptoms, and treatment through online dermatology appointments.
Eczema is the name of a group of skin conditions that cause red, itchy, inflamed, scaly and sometimes blistering or weepy skin changes. Eczema can begin in childhood or as an adult. Eczema can last for a few weeks or can flare off and on over the course of a patient’s life. The main cause of eczema is a weakened skin barrier that allows allergens to enter the superficial layers of the skin, setting off an allergic response. This leads to redness and itching, then skin breakdown.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the medical term for eczema that is more chronic in nature. Patients with AD also tend to have other allergic conditions like seasonal allergies/hay fever and/or asthma.
The National Eczema Association reports that around 31 million Americans are living with eczema, making it one of the most common conditions in dermatology.
No cure has been found for eczema, but symptoms are manageable through self-care and topical treatments (creams or ointments) and systemic treatments (pills or injectables).
Who Gets Eczema Symptoms?
Symptoms can present to anyone at any age. Typically, if an infant or child develops eczema, they can grow out of it in time. It is important to note that eczema is not contagious. It is more closely related to allergic reactions.
People with eczema report flareups after eating certain foods such as:
• Nuts
• Dairy
• Gluten
• Soy
• Fish
• Eggs
Other allergens in the environment that can cause flare-ups include pollen, poor air quality, smoke and perfumes
Eczema In Children
As children get older, they tend to present more symptoms. The rashes tend to occur around high traction areas of the body, such as around the elbows, wrists, and ankles. The texture of the rashes tends to present as bumpy spots that become either lighter or darker.
Rashes can also cause the skin to thicken. If left untreated, skin thickening or lichenification may leave the child with a permanent itch.
Tennessee Telederm treats children over the age of 12.
Eczema In Adults
For adults, rashes can develop in all the same places as they do for children. Adults may also notice symptoms developing around the nape of the neck. Rashes can also spread to most of the body, creating a further risk of lichenification, permanent itching, skin infections and very dry skin.
Infected Eczema
Because one of the main symptoms of eczema is itchiness, repeated scratching can damage the skin and leave it vulnerable to infections. Infected eczema presents symptoms including intense burning and itching sensations, blistering, pus, and fluid drainage.
While open, these sores are vulnerable to Staphylococcus infections. Normally, the Staph. Bacteria is harmless on the surface of the skin, but once it has an entrance into the body, it quickly can make infections worse.
Staph infections from eczema will present more intense itching and burning, increased inflammation and redness, pain at the infection site, and yellow-colored pus and fluid drainage.
What Kind of Medicine Is Used To Treat It?
There are several types of medications that are effective for managing eczema.
• Topical corticosteroid creams and ointments
• Systemic corticosteroids
Because the most common symptom of eczema is a chronic itch due to inflammation, these medications use steroids to reduce swelling. Topical medications are generally first, but if the patient needs more potent medicine, an oral corticosteroid may be prescribed.
Other Medications include:
• Antibiotics
• Antihistamines
• Antiviral Medications & Antifungal Medications
• Barrier Repair Moisturizers
Can I Treat Eczema Naturally?
Prescription medications are usually the most effective treatment for eczema. However, there are some natural homeopathic remedies that many patients find effective. Dietary changes can be very helpful for people living with eczema. Pay attention to what you’re eating around the time of a flare-up, and if you notice a certain food causing flare-ups, then try adjusting your diet.
Virtual Appointments
Your exam is online using telehealth, a HIPAA secure video platform powered by Athenahealth, the largest connected network built to support physician practices.
Experience-Backed Treatment Plans
Treatment plans are backed by years of dermatology and general medicine experience. Kristen specializes in diagnosing and treating medical conditions and creates personalized treatment plans for each patient.
Convenience and Affordable
Tennessee Telederm offers a convenient and affordable way to receive dermatology and urgent care through online scheduling, telehealth and same-day appointments. We do accept insurance and treat ages 12 and up.