I think I have eczema...but I am not sure!

So I started using this new acne treatment and it was doimg fine. I mean I still get a few breakout but it was clearing my blemishes and my skin felt better. After about a month my neck and my eye lids started to itch. I am not sure why this happened but I thought it was like a rash or infection so I put anitbiotic on it and then it felt better. So I told my sis and she said it my be eczema and I have never had eczema before so I looked it up and tried to find about it. So now I think it is eczema. I just don't understand why it came out of nowhere. If it is an allergic reaction it only happens on the places where I really do not use he acne treatment? My skin has become really dry in those places that were itchy, so I wanted to know if it was eczema or not and if the acne treatment could be the cause.

[willy851]

Allergic dermatitis
related to eczema, but will probably clear up and go away.
Don't use it anymore!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

To combat the severe dryness associated with eczema, a high-quality, dermatologist approved moisturizer should be used daily. Moisturizers should not have any ingredients that may further aggravate the condition. Moisturizers are especially effective if applied within 5-10 minutes after bathing.

Most commercial soaps wash away the oils produced by the skin that normally serve to prevent drying. Using a soap substitute such as aqueous cream helps keep the skin moisturized. A non-soap cleanser can be purchased usually at a local drug store. Showers should be kept short and at a lukewarm/moderate temperature.

If moisturizers on their own don't help and the eczema is severe, a doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroid ointments, creams, or injections. Corticosteroids have traditionally been considered the most effective method of treating severe eczema. Disadvantages of using steroid creams include stretch marks and thinning of the skin. Higher-potency steroid creams must not be used on the face or other areas where the skin is naturally thin; usually a lower-potency steroid is prescribed for sensitive areas. If the eczema is especially severe, a doctor may prescribe prednisone or administer a shot of cortisone or triamcinolone If the eczema is mild, over-the-counter hydrocortisone can be purchased at the local drugstore.

If complications include infections (often of Staphylococcus aureus), antibiotics may be employed.

The immunosuppressant Tacrolimus or pimecrolimus can be used as a topical preparation in the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis instead of traditional steroid creams. However, there can be unpleasant side effects in some patients such as intense stinging or burning.

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Regards.