September 14, 2011

Fall is right around the corner, and with a new season and cooler temperatures you could be at more of a risk for eczema. In this week's Martha Jefferson Healthwise report, CBS19's Stephanie Satchell shows you what to do to keep your skin healthy.

The skin condition covers a broad range of categories. Atopic Dermatitis is found mostly in children. Contact Dermatitis relates to allergic reactions like poison ivy. And hand eczema impacts people who wash their hands a lot, like heath care workers.

All forms of eczema can get worse when it is colder outside.

"Wintertime, fall, these transition times tend to be a tough time for people with Atopic and Contact Dermatitis. The skin gets drier as the humidity in the air goes down," said Dr. Anna Magee, a dermatologist.

Doctor Magee says patients often get eczema on the insides of their elbows and behind their knees and hands.

To get rid of the rough patches, experts recommend using moisturizers.

"Moisturizers are the essential treatment for eczema, Atopic Dermatitis, and we like heavy moisturizers, like the cream based moisturizers with no fragrances," said Magee.

On top of lathering up, people with eczema can also help the condition by taking precautions when bathing.

"We don't want you to wash your skin too much if you can avoid it,
avoid hot showers tepid water is going to be better for your skin," said Magee.

If these remedies do not work Doctor Magee suggests going to see your doctor for an exam.

Your dermatologist can prescribe you a steroid cream to get your skin back to normal, enabling you to get back outdoors to enjoy the cooler temperature without the itchy, red rashes.