New Patients:
Existing Patients:
2430 Esplanade Drive, Suite B, Algonquin, IL, 60102 | Directions
2454 Lake Shore Drive, Woodstock, IL, 60098 | Directions
22285 N Pepper Rd Suite 407, Lake Barrington, IL, 60010 | Directions
10370 Haligus Rd, Building 2, Suite 115, Huntley, IL, 60142 | Directions

Eczema

eczema treatment from Illinois Dermatologist

What is Eczema (Dermatitis)?

Eczema is a skin condition that can cause the affected skin to swell, discolor, and cause dryness and itchiness, sometimes even blisters. Dermatologists can diagnose you with eczema, or dermatitis, as well as the type of eczema you may be suffering from.

Atopic Dermatitis

This inherited form of dermatitis is commonly found on children and babies, especially within their first year. Their skin may start to become itchy, often causing a rash to form. These rashes can appear on the scalp, forehead, and face, and will be in the form of dry and scaly patches. In older children, it is more localized in the folds of the body. If these rashes are not properly treated, they can potentially lead to a skin infection, and can be long lasting. The patient will usually outgrow the rash for a number of years and then it returns in different forms in adulthood.

Contact Dermatitis

Objects that touch our skin can also cause eczema, which is known as contact dermatitis, and can lead to an allergic reaction or a skin irritation. This reaction can frequently happen to anyone who is exposed to nickel, latex, or are simply experiencing an allergic reaction to something that his or her body is not used to.
There are two different types of contact dermatitis:
  • Allergic contact dermatitis - This is an allergic skin reaction to substances such as poison ivy, latex, makeup, and jewelry.
  • Irritant contact dermatitis - This is a common reaction when irritants (like bleach, soap or pepper spray) cause a rash where they contact the skin. Predisposing factors include dry skin or irritated skin, such as with cracked hands, dry lips, or from an acid burn. This reaction can also happen if you spend lots of time washing your hands, which can cause skin to crack and dry up.
Eczema Video by Andrea Pasminski, PA-C
Hi there. I'm Andrea Pasminski. I am a dermatology PA at Dermatology Specialist of Illinois. We're going to be talking about eczema. Eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition, so a lot of this is genetic. It is something that can happen as a newborn to infants childhood, and it can even happen when you're an adult. It is a red rash. We call it the rash that itches. So a lot of times it starts with a scrap that then turns into this red plaque. It can be papules, it can happen anywhere on your body. Common spots are your inner elbows and behind the knees. The way that we treat it is first line topical steroids. There's newer ways such as phototherapy, different types of lasers, even injections or pills. That's the new trend in dermatology. So if you have a rash, come on in and get evaluated because you might have Eczema.

Dyshidrotic Dermatitis

This form of dermatitis is located on your hands and feet and can cause burning and itching sensations, potentially leading to a blistering rash. Typically, it looks like deep-set itchy microblisters on the palm or sides of the fingers.

Neurodermatitis

This form of dermatitis develops when the nerve endings in your skin becomes irritated, triggering severe itching.

Nummular Dermatitis

Nummular dermatitis characteristically forms coin-shaped circles on the trunk or extremities. They can last for weeks, or even months.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

This form of dermatitis is a common skin disease that can come in the form of a red and swollen rash, with a white crusty scale on its surface. Although this skin condition is most often referred to as cradle cap in infants, seborrheic dermatitis can also occur in adults.

Stasis Dermatitis

This form of dermatitis occurs when the veins in your legs have difficulty sending blood back to the heart, which then causes it to pool into the legs, ultimately affecting the color of your skin and leading to a rash.

Call Dermatology Specialists of Illinois at (844) 307-7546 to schedule a consultation.
Dermatologist Specialists of Illinois Dr. Vikram
Dr. Lauren Boshnick Dr. Lauren
Dr. David Othman Dr. Othman

Dermatologist Specialists of Illinois
Connect with Dr. Vikram Khanna on Linkedin.

With over 20 years of experience in dermatology, Dr. Vikram "Vic" Khanna began his education and training at Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University. He was the chief resident at the dermatology department at Case Western Reserve University and continues to update and refine his extensive skills with daily advances in the industry.

As a board-certified dermatologist, he continues to dedicate his time to serving his patients of all ages and provides general, cosmetic, and medical solutions for the skin, hair, nails, and body. He was also recently certified for Mohs Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery by the American Board of Dermatology.

Dr. Lauren Boshnick is committed to providing her patients the highest-quality medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologic care. She is passionate about cosmetic dermatology and is also interested in diagnosing and treating skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.

She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario, Canada and her medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean. She pursued specialized training in dermatology at top medical centers worldwide, including Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Mt. Sinai, and Oxford before completing her residency at Florida State University, where she served as chief resident.

After training, Dr. Boshnick worked in a private practice in Florida, performing complex skin cancer surgeries and providing cosmetic dermatology services. She is a member of the AAD.

A board certified dermatologist and micrographic dermatologic surgeon, Dr. David Othman has over 10 years of experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology.

With a B.S. in Microbiology and an M.H.S.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.D. from Northeast Ohio Medical University, Dr. Othman completed his training at Indiana University. He is currently Program Director of the Cook County Hospital residency program, Assistant Professor at Rush University, Clinical Assistant Professor at Rosalind Franklin, and Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at Midwestern University. Having published numerous articles and presented at national conferences, he is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.