Eczema

[anyastorm]

I have really great, smooth skin with one exception; I have patches of eczema that keep growing. I know I'm not supposed to scratch but sometimes its excruciating. I am currently on a steroid cream (triamcinalone) to clear it up and it does, but is there anything I can do to prevent future flair ups?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
In most cases of eczema no one treatment will be effective. Medical research shows that the most effective treatment plan for eczema involves using a combination of therapies to treat the skin and making lifestyle changes(prevention of triggers and application of lots of moisturizers) to control flare-ups. Doing so tends to increase effectiveness and reduce side effects from medications.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Caryopteris]

Get checked for common food allergies, such as milk, gluten, soy, eggs, nuts.  

I saw many dermatologists over the years for skin problems, and all they wanted to do was treat the symptom, not look for the cause.  Dummies!  I had celiac disease.