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Eczema Specialist

Alamo City Dermatology

Dermatologists located in San Antonio, TX & Zapata, TX

Eczema causes itching and flaking that can be difficult to control without medical care. At Alamo City Dermatology in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Ana Sauceda, M.D., provides patients with the most advanced care options for eczema, reducing itching, flaking, and redness while improving overall skin health.

Eczema Treatment Q&A

What is eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that causes red, scaly, itchy patches of skin that can ooze and bleed if scratched or rubbed. Also called dermatitis, eczema often develops during childhood and sometimes resolves by adulthood, although many adults also have the condition or develop it during the adult years. Because the affected skin can become raw and broken when rubbed, infections are more likely, and routine care is important for managing symptoms and preventing infection. Eczema frequently occurs in a cycle, with breakouts or flare-ups followed by intermittent periods of calm during which breakouts are fewer.

What causes eczema?

The specific cause of eczema is unknown, but researchers believe it’s related to an inflammation of the skin that develops when the immune system overreacts or malfunctions. Eczema flare-ups are often caused by:

  • changes in temperature
  • very dry air
  • contact with chemicals found in detergents, soaps, personal care items and cosmetics
  • skin care routines that cause the skin to become dry
  • chronic or acute stress
  • perspiration

People with a family history of the disease are more likely to have it themselves, as are those who have allergies or asthma. Mentioning these issues during an examination can aid in diagnosis and management.

How is eczema treated?

Eczema cannot be cured, but it can be managed successfully. Some mild cases of eczema can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as increasing the use of moisturizers, taking shorter and cooler showers, avoiding harsh detergents and other chemical additives, using gentle skin cleaners and eliminating long, hot baths. Learning how to manage stress can also help many people avoid flare-ups. More stubborn cases of eczema can be treated with topical creams or antihistamines designed to “short circuit” the immune response that causes flare-ups. More severe cases may benefit from UV light therapy or stronger prescription medications. Seeing the dermatologist for routine checkups and skin care recommendations is important to manage flare-ups over time and in response to skin changes that can occur with age.

Insurance

If you do not see your plan listed here, please contact our office. It is possible that we may be in the process of applying or may consider applying for participation.

Aetna
All Savers
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO
Assurant Health
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Select
Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
Care Improvement Plus
Christian Brothers
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
GEHA
Humana PPO
Logistics Health Insurance
Medicare
Multiplan, Inc.