Eczema

Expert Care For Healthier Skin

Group of adults laughing together outdoors in richmond, va representing support for allergy and asthma wellness

Eczema is a skin condition that can be frustrating and uncomfortable. If you or your child are experiencing dry, itchy or inflamed skin, it may be eczema. At Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists, our team provides comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment options to help our patients in Henrico and the surrounding Richmond areas live better and find lasting and effective relief.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes irritation, redness and itching. While it is most common in children, it can affect people at any age. Symptoms may come and go over time and may vary from mild dryness to more persistent flare-ups that interfere with sleep and other day-to-day activities.

What Causes It?

Eczema is often associated with an overactive immune response that affects the skin barrier. When the skin barrier is weakened, it becomes more sensitive to irritants, allergens and environmental factors. This can lead to inflammation, itching and the uncomfortable symptoms many patients experience. Eczema is frequently linked with other allergic conditions such as asthma, food allergies and allergic rhinitis (hay fever), which is where our allergists can help. Because it can also be confused with other skin conditions such as psoriasis, our specialists can help effectively diagnose and treat it.

Common Symptoms Of Eczema

For many patients, itching can be one of the most uncomfortable symptoms. Persistent itching may interfere with sleep, concentration at school or work. However, every person experiences the condition differently, and itching isn’t the only symptom. Other symptoms include:

  • Dry or sensitive skin
  • Itchy skin, which can be severe
  • Red, inflamed or irritated areas
  • Rough or scaly patches
  • Thickened skin from scratching over and over
  • Skin that may crack or become irritated easily
  • Rash that appears on the face, hands, arms, legs or behind the knees
  • Flare-ups that worsen with environmental triggers
Active family playing soccer outdoors representing healthy living with allergy and asthma management in richmond, va

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema does not have a single cause. Instead, it typically develops due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Patients with it often have a family history of allergies, asthma or atopic dermatitis itself. Identifying triggers can help reduce flare-ups and guide treatment decisions. Allergy testing may be recommended if environmental or food triggers are suspected.

Common triggers may include:

  • Pollen, mold or dust (environmental allergens)
  • Irritants (Detergents or fragrances)
  • Changes in humidity or weather
  • Stress
  • Some fabrics, including wool
  • Food allergies in some patients
  • Skin infections or immune system responses

How We Diagnose It

At Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists, diagnosing atopic dermatitis typically begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history and a visual examination of your skin. Because it can accompany certain allergies, we may recommend allergy testing from there. Though this skin condition is chronic, knowing your triggers can help us create a personalized and effective treatment plan designed to reduce irritation and help you avoid flares.

Atopic Dermatitis Treatment At Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists

Our allergists evaluate each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment based on your skin, symptoms and allergies. The goal is not only to manage your symptoms, but to also stop future flares and protect the health and appearance of your skin. Your treatment may include:

Skincare Recommendations

Gentle skin care products and routines can be an important part of controlling your skin. Our allergy specialists may recommend fragrance-free moisturizers, cleansers and skin barrier creams to help reduce dryness and irritation.

Avoiding Triggers

Identifying and avoiding or minimizing exposure to triggers such as allergens, irritants or environmental factors can help reduce flare-ups, which is why allergy testing is so important.

Medications

We may prescribe topical creams or prescription medications to reduce inflammation and relieve itching.

Allergy Management

Because it is often associated with other allergies, allergy treatment such as immunotherapy may help improve symptoms.

FAQs About Eczema

At Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists, our goal is to help patients better understand their skin condition and feel confident managing symptoms. Learn more about if your itchy, irritated skin may be atopic dermatitis, and if so, how we can help!

Is eczema an allergy?

While the condition itself is not an allergy, it is often linked to allergies. For example many patients with it also experience asthma, hay fever or food allergies.

Common triggers include environmental allergens, irritants, stress, weather changes and certain skincare products. Identifying your triggers, which are specific to each patient, can help reduce symptoms.

There is currently no cure for eczema because it is a chronic condition that may come and go. Treatment can help manage your symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

Yes. While it most commonly occurs in babies and children, it can occur at any age. Fortunately, children can outgrow it. Others may continue to experience symptoms as adults.

Yes. While your primary care doctor or a dermatologist can also treat this skin condition, an allergist at RAAS can help identify potential triggers and recommend treatment options.

Food allergies may trigger flare-ups in some patients, particularly children. Allergy testing can help determine whether environmental allergies or a food allergy may be contributing to symptoms.

We may recommend using gentle skincare products, moisturizing regularly and avoiding known triggers that reduce itchiness and irritation.

We make requesting your consultation easy—fill out our form online or call Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists at (804) 285-7420.

Visit Us For Complete Allergy Care

Because eczema is often connected to allergies, asthma and environmental triggers, working with our board certified and board eligible allergy specialists can help improve the look and feel of your skin so you can feel more comfortable. To put a stop to the itchiness, request your appointment online. We look forward to meeting you in our welcoming, conveniently located Henrico office.

Allergy By An Allergist

Relief Starts This Week

From sinus care and allergy testing to shots and asthma treatment, we help patients in Henrico, Richmond and surrounding communities breathe easier and enjoy lasting relief.