What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a common, non-contagious inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and irritated patches of skin. Also widely referred to by its medical name, atopic dermatitis, eczema is most often diagnosed in infants and young children. However, it can persist or develop for the first time from the teenage years through adulthood. It’s also a chronic condition that cycles through periods of intense flare-ups and remission.
Eczema Symptoms
An eczema rash can present differently depending on your age and the specific area affected. Common eczema symptoms include:
- Intense Itching: One of the most common eczema symptoms, severe itching often worsens at night and may significantly disrupt sleep.
- Discolored Patches: Red to brownish-gray patches of skin. These are most frequently found on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, and inside the bends of the elbows and knees.
- Raised Bumps: Small, raised bumps that may leak fluid and crust over when scratched.
- Textural Changes: Thickened, cracked, or dry, scaly skin patches.
- Skin Sensitivity: Raw, sensitive, or swollen skin caused by chronic scratching.
Infection Warning: If your skin looks yellow, crusty, or shows fluid oozing, it may indicate a secondary bacterial or fungal infection. Please schedule an appointment promptly for specialized care.
What Causes Eczema? Triggers & Flare-Ups
Dermatological research indicates there is no single known cause for the development of atopic dermatitis. Instead, it stems from a combination of genetics and immune system factors that alter the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving it susceptible to external irritants.
While the underlying cause is complex, several common environmental elements are known to be eczema triggers that cause flare-ups:
- Irritants: Harsh chemicals found in household soaps, laundry detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, and rough clothing fabrics like wool or synthetic materials.
- Allergens: Environmental allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold, and certain food allergies.
- Climate & Weather: Excessive sweating, low humidity, dry winter air, or sudden changes in temperature.
- Stress: High emotional stress and hormonal fluctuations can stimulate the body’s inflammatory response.
Eczema vs. Psoriasis
Eczema and psoriasis can look similar, often causing red, irritated skin, which makes it easy to confuse one condition with the other. Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema, while psoriasis is a separate autoimmune condition with its own distinct symptoms and causes.
The primary differences include:
- Sensation: Eczema triggers an intense, overwhelming itch. Psoriasis is more likely to cause a stinging or burning sensation.
- Appearance: Eczema patches are typically ill-defined, dry, and may weep or leak fluid. Psoriasis presents as well-defined, thick, red plaques covered with silvery scales.
If you suspect you may have psoriasis rather than atopic dermatitis, visit our dedicated Psoriasis page to read about targeted treatments.
Eczema by Type and Area Affected
Eczema can manifest in distinct anatomical regions and specific subtypes, requiring specialized diagnostic approaches:
Hand Eczema
Often triggered by frequent handwashing or chemical exposure, hand eczema causes painful cracking, deep scaling, and blistering on the palms and fingers.
Scalp Eczema
This form causes severe itching, redness, and greasy flaking on the scalp, which can sometimes be confused with severe dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
Ear Eczema
Developing on the outer ear or inside the ear canal, ear eczema causes intense itching, redness, and dry flaking that can become easily infected if scratched.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
A specific subtype that causes tiny, intensely itchy, fluid-filled blisters to form on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet.
Eczema in Children and Babies
Infantile eczema commonly appears on the cheeks, forehead, and scalp. It requires gentle, specialized management. For pediatric care, learn more on our General and Pediatric Dermatology page.
Eczema Treatment Options
If you are looking for how to treat eczema effectively, over-the-counter creams are rarely enough to manage moderate-to-severe cases. At Suncoast Skin Solutions, our board-certified dermatologists offer a multi-tiered therapeutic framework:
- Topical Treatments: We prescribe prescription-strength topical steroids to quickly calm active inflammation during a flare-up, alongside non-steroidal topical anti-inflammatories for safe, long-term maintenance.
- Injectable and Biologic Treatments: For moderate-to-severe eczema that does not respond to topical therapies, advanced systemic options like dupilumab (Dupixent) target the specific underlying immune pathways responsible for chronic inflammation.
- Medical-Grade Skincare: We provide clinical-strength, barrier-repair moisturizers and soap-free cleansers designed to restore the skin’s moisture barrier and lower flare frequency.
- Trigger Avoidance: Tailored lifestyle guidance to help you isolate and avoid personal environmental triggers based on your unique lifestyle and flare patterns.
How Much Do Eczema Treatments Cost?
The cost of your eczema treatments at Suncoast Skin Solutions varies based on the specific treatments selected, the severity of your condition, and your health insurance coverage. To receive an accurate cost assessment, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our clinical staff.
Eczema Treatment at Suncoast Locations in Florida
We make it easy to find expert care right in your community with convenient access to board-certified dermatologists within major Florida regions, including:
- Tampa Bay Metro: Including Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Brandon, Largo, Riverview, Lutz, and New Port Richey.
- Central Florida & The Villages
- North & Northeast Florida: Includes Jacksonville and St. Augustine.
- Florida East Coast: We have offices in Daytona Beach and Jupiter, among other cities along the East Coast.
- Southwest Florida & Nature Coast: Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Brooksville, and Hudson.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are the same, essentially. Atopic dermatitis is the most common, chronic clinical form of eczema, so the terms are frequently used interchangeably by dermatologists and patients.
An eczema rash appears as dry, red to brownish-gray patches of skin that may look scaly, leathery, or raw from scratching. During acute flares, it can form small bumps that leak fluid and form crusts.
Topical steroids are highly effective for calming acute flares, but they are generally not recommended for continuous, long-term use because they can cause your skin to thin. One of our dermatologists will design a regimen that alternates steroids with non-steroidal topicals to ensure safety.
Dupilumab is a prescription biologic injection approved for adults and children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. It works by blocking specific proteins (interleukins) in the immune system that cause the underlying skin inflammation.
There is currently no permanent cure for eczema, but it can be highly controlled. With the right combination of medical treatments, trigger avoidance, and barrier-repair skincare, most patients successfully achieve long periods of clear, symptom-free skin.
You should see a dermatologist if over-the-counter hydrocortisone fails to clear your skin within a week, if your symptoms disrupt your sleep, if the rash covers a large portion of your body, or if you see signs of infection like yellow crusting, oozing, or increased warmth.
Schedule Eczema Treatment Near You
Don’t let itchy, painful skin disrupt your life. Suncoast Skin Solutions provides expert care with same-day appointments across our Florida locations.
Schedule your appointment today or call us directly at 844-SUNDERM (844-786-3376).