Business Insight presented by Arlington Dermatology Does eczema bother you? The word "eczema' is usually used to name a skin condition. But not just one skin condition. Many. Any skin disorder characterized by dry, scaly skin, redness, and itching can be often commonly classified as eczema. Not all 'eczemas' are the same. They seem to look identical, but their origin varies. Thus, their treatment will be different as well. How do you identify what your eczema really is? A good dermatologist will use several tools to make a correct diagnosis. First, your doctor should ask you some questions. When did it start? How long has it been so red? Have you used any new detergents? Other chemicals? Are you allergic to anything? All these questions may will help your doctor to focus on possible reasons for your disorder. There is a major difference between contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. And even more distinguished would be comparing your eczema to psoriasis. Your answers in the initial medical history interview will allow the doctor to narrow options. Secondly, your doctor may decide to take a small sample of your skin through the biopsy. It is a very good tool especially if your condition is more severe. Many cases of severe 'eczema' turn out to be atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, and they require systemic treatment rather than a prescription for a cream or ointment. All'eczemas' itch and sometimes are really intense. I have had patients who were sleep deprived due to constant itching. Intense itching produces our reaction of scratching and often causes bleeding of already ailing skin. The worst outcome of frequent scratching is a local infection that may require antibiotics. Then, we end up treating the infection first and have to postpone the actual skin treatment until the infection is gone. As usual, early detection is crucial. The sooner the proper diagnosis is made, the sooner you will get rid of any uncomfortable symptoms and prevent spreading of a disease. And finally, some 'eczemas' are immune system related disorders. They do not have much to do with irritants from chemicals you use but rather come from inside your DNA. They relate to certain proteins that simply mutated out of control and caused flares of your skin. We call them atopic dermatitis. They usually require systemic treatment, especially if they cover more than 5% of your body. They can be really cumbersome with itching and burning and patients report a lot of additional symptoms with them: sleep problems, irritation, depression, anxiety. Currently, there are several systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis eczema and even more treatments are in development. It has been a goal of the medical field to offer not only a variety of options in treatment but also full clearance of skin, similarly to what we did with psoriasis. I encourage you to call us and ask about these options through our clinical research. We offer free consultations for any with suspected or diagnosed atopic dermatitis eczema and, if you qualify, free of charge treatment programs based on clinical new medication development. Our staff will explain all the details to you during the consultation and will answer any questions you may have. Providing medical history and previous treatments will be required. Michael Bukhalo, MD Arlington Dermatology 5301 Keystone Court Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 Tel. 847 392 5440 | www.arlingtondermatology.net Business Insight presented by Arlington Dermatology Does eczema bother you ? The word " eczema ' is usually used to name a skin condition . But not just one skin condition . Many . Any skin disorder characterized by dry , scaly skin , redness , and itching can be often commonly classified as eczema . Not all ' eczemas ' are the same . They seem to look identical , but their origin varies . Thus , their treatment will be different as well . How do you identify what your eczema really is ? A good dermatologist will use several tools to make a correct diagnosis . First , your doctor should ask you some questions . When did it start ? How long has it been so red ? Have you used any new detergents ? Other chemicals ? Are you allergic to anything ? All these questions may will help your doctor to focus on possible reasons for your disorder . There is a major difference between contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis . And even more distinguished would be comparing your eczema to psoriasis . Your answers in the initial medical history interview will allow the doctor to narrow options . Secondly , your doctor may decide to take a small sample of your skin through the biopsy . It is a very good tool especially if your condition is more severe . Many cases of severe ' eczema ' turn out to be atopic dermatitis or psoriasis , and they require systemic treatment rather than a prescription for a cream or ointment . All'eczemas ' itch and sometimes are really intense . I have had patients who were sleep deprived due to constant itching . Intense itching produces our reaction of scratching and often causes bleeding of already ailing skin . The worst outcome of frequent scratching is a local infection that may require antibiotics . Then , we end up treating the infection first and have to postpone the actual skin treatment until the infection is gone . As usual , early detection is crucial . The sooner the proper diagnosis is made , the sooner you will get rid of any uncomfortable symptoms and prevent spreading of a disease . And finally , some ' eczemas ' are immune system related disorders . They do not have much to do with irritants from chemicals you use but rather come from inside your DNA . They relate to certain proteins that simply mutated out of control and caused flares of your skin . We call them atopic dermatitis . They usually require systemic treatment , especially if they cover more than 5 % of your body . They can be really cumbersome with itching and burning and patients report a lot of additional symptoms with them : sleep problems , irritation , depression , anxiety . Currently , there are several systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis eczema and even more treatments are in development . It has been a goal of the medical field to offer not only a variety of options in treatment but also full clearance of skin , similarly to what we did with psoriasis . I encourage you to call us and ask about these options through our clinical research . We offer free consultations for any with suspected or diagnosed atopic dermatitis eczema and , if you qualify , free of charge treatment programs based on clinical new medication development . Our staff will explain all the details to you during the consultation and will answer any questions you may have . Providing medical history and previous treatments will be required . Michael Bukhalo , MD Arlington Dermatology 5301 Keystone Court Rolling Meadows , IL 60008 Tel . 847 392 5440 | www.arlingtondermatology.net