What you may notice
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) shows up as dry, itchy patches that can crack, weep or thicken with scratching. In children it often favours the cheeks and the folds of the elbows and knees; in adults it can settle on the hands, eyelids or neck. Hand eczema is common in people who wash their hands often or work with irritants.
Dr. Knight has served as principal investigator in clinical trials of treatments for atopic dermatitis and hand eczema, so the practice follows newer options closely.
How we evaluate it
- The pattern of the rash and how long it has been present
- Triggers: soaps, fragrances, fabrics, weather, stress and occupational exposures
- Personal and family history of eczema, asthma or allergies
- Whether infection, contact allergy or another rash is involved; patch testing or a small skin sample can help
Possible care approaches
- A daily skin-barrier routine: gentle cleansing and the right moisturizer, applied the right way
- Prescription anti-inflammatory creams and ointments for flares
- Newer non-steroid topical and systemic medications for moderate to severe eczema
- Managing itch and sleep, and treating infection when it occurs
What to expect
- Flares usually calm within one to two weeks of treatment, but eczema tends to return, so the goal is longer gaps between flares
- You will leave with a written plan for flare days and for maintenance
- Follow-up visits let us step treatment up or down safely
When to call
- Itch that disrupts sleep, work or school
- Skin that is cracked, weeping, crusted or painful, which can mean infection
- A rash that has not responded to over-the-counter hydrocortisone and moisturizers
- Hand eczema that interferes with your work
This page is general information and not a diagnosis. Treatment is individual and is decided with you at your visit.