Eczema services offered in Mooresville, NC

Cracking, dry skin that itches or burns often indicates eczema, a skin condition that usually starts during childhood. At Sacred Heart Dermatology in Mooresville, North Carolina, board-certified dermatologist Blake Sanders, DO, FAAD, and his team offer evidence-based and solutions-oriented care for skin during and between flare-ups. Schedule your eczema treatment consultation by phone or online at Sacred Heart Dermatology today.

Eczema Q&A

What is eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that people of all ages can experience, including babies and small children. In fact, it often starts before age 5 and may or may not continue to cause symptoms into adulthood. Also called atopic dermatitis, the condition stems from a defect in your skin’s natural barrier that normally protects you from bacteria and allergens.

As a result, eczema flare-ups cause your skin to be red, irritated, and often itchy. It’s not uncommon to experience skin cracking due to the dryness. While the itching that comes with eczema may be severe — especially at night — you should try your best not to scratch the area that itches. Scratching leaves your skin raw, cracked, painful, and prone to infections.

Fortunately, modern dermatology offers multiple solutions for eczema that can help you manage symptoms or avoid them in the future.

What triggers eczema?

Some people find that eczema develops in response to certain actions or allergens. If you have any eczema triggers, Dr. Sanders can explore them with you and identify ways of avoiding them so you can minimize flare-ups in the future.

Common eczema triggers include:

• Irritating soaps and detergents
• Cold and dry weather
• Damp environment
• Certain fabrics and materials
• Hormone fluctuations
• Food allergens
• Pollens
• Skin infections
• Sweat

Sometimes, identifying exact triggers is challenging. However, Dr. Sanders can adjust your treatment accordingly to minimize flare-ups in other ways.

How is eczema treated?

Managing eczema involves caring for symptoms during a flare-up and taking steps to prevent them before they happen. You may need to take multiple approaches to your treatment to find a comprehensive plan that gives you great results.

At Sacred Heart Dermatology, Dr. Sanders treats or manages eczema with:

• Bleach baths
• Corticosteroid creams
• Oral corticosteroids
• Wet dressings
• Light therapy
• Trigger identification and avoidance

Dr. Sanders might also offer recommendations for habit and lifestyle changes, like opting for shorter baths and showers or using gentle soaps for sensitive skin. In addition, you may benefit from taking antibiotics to treat or prevent a skin infection from a particularly vulnerable rash.

Learn more about eczema and explore eczema treatments by scheduling an appointment over the phone or online at Sacred Heart Dermatology today.