mia
Joined: 28 Feb 2006
Posts: 245
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 Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2006 11:42 am Post subject: dry patchy skin |
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I have a problem with my skin. I have a rash on my hand that keeps on appearing. I went to the pharmacy and got over the counter topical cream, which helped a bit- rash is not red colored anymore, but dry and patchy skin is still here. It is on hand and covers larger area than at the beginning- about inch and a half in diameter. At first my skin was dry, patchy and red, but now it is just dry and patchy. However, it itches, then and now. Cream, that I was given doesn’t help much, at leats not anymore. I am afraid I have eczema. What are most often signs of eczema? I am sure redness and dry, patchy skin, are one of them. What exactly should I do to determine if I have eczema or not?
I appreciate every response!
Mia |
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shannon
Joined: 18 Jan 2006
Posts: 269
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| Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2006 11:58 am Post subject: |
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It is not necessary at all you have eczema. Diagnosing eczema is not easy at all and to determine whether you have it or not you HAVE to visit your doctor. Dry and patchy skin is just not enough reassuring indicator. Though dry and patchy skin as you say, are signs of eczema, but there is much more to it and doctor should explore it. It depends on your medical history, whether you have had similar problems in the past, most of all, doctor has to see your rash to determine whether it was caused by eczema.
When dealing with eczema, there are few typical signs, like itchy skin rash (you have it), patchy and dry skin (you have it), history of skin rash (did you have it as a child?), repeating rashes (does this rash tends to flare up, then disappear and then comes back again?), very sensitive skin (do you have it?). Also important is family history of eczema and asthma.
It is really important how long you have had this rash- if not for longer period and if rashes are not your common problem, it is more unlikely you have eczema. However, I wouldn’t go easy with any rash- if having it more than month, I would certainly check it out! I am not saying it is eczema, but dry and patchy skin itself can be a problem, especially if being on such an exposed spot as hands. Then again, it is not just eczema that is problematic, there are some other conditions that can be really annoying.
Get to the bottom of it and do check it out with your doctor!
Take care,
Shannon |
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