Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Patients with eczema are considered “sensitive”, reacting abnormally and easily to irritants, food, and environmental allergens. The skin easily becomes red, itchy, and flaky. Because the skin is open, it is vulnerable to surface infections caused by bacteria. The skin on the flexural surfaces of the joints (the inner sides of the elbows and knees) is the most commonly affected region in patients over the age of 3 years.
Atopic dermatitis often co-occurs with other atopic diseases, such as hay fever and asthma. It is a familial and chronic disease, and its symptoms can increase or disappear over time.
Although there is no cure for atopic eczema, it can be managed with medications and preventative measures.
Since there is no cure for atopic eczema, treatment should mainly involve discovering the triggers of allergic reactions and learning to avoid them. Some measures which are considered preventative include:
Diet
Many common food allergens can trigger an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals, including milk (dairy), soy, nuts, tomatoes, wheat, yeast, and corn. Many of these allergens are common ingredients in grocery store products (especially corn syrup, which is a sugar substitute). Specialty health food stores often carry products that are free from common allergens. Not all patients experience food-related dermatitis, so it is best to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations to ensure that your nutrition is not compromised.
Environment and Lifestyle
Patients with eczema should avoid smoking as well as smoking exposures. The dander from the fur of dogs and cats may also trigger an atopic flare. Anger, stress, and lack of sleep are also factors that are known to aggravate eczema. Excessive heat (especially with humidity) and cold are known to provoke outbreaks.
Moisturizers
Patients with eczema are believed to have a defect in filaggrin, a natural component of the skin that helps retain moisture. Thus, successful prevention of flares involves adequate moisturization. To combat the severe dryness associated with eczema, a high-quality moisturizer should be used daily, 5-10 minutes after bathing with a non-soap cleanser, such as Dove Sensitive Skin Bar Soap. Synthetic fats called Pseudoceramides (which mimic natural filagrin and ceramides in normal skin) are now available as moisturizers which are excellent for the eczema patient—an over-the-counter example is Cera-Ve®
Before Your Visit
Please be sure to bring a list of all medications and allergies. If you are covered by an insurance plan that requires prior authorization, the authorization or referral form must be presented to our office before or at the time of your appointment. It is your responsibility to obtain necessary referrals. If you don’t have one, we will ask you to sign a waiver stating you are responsible for the bill. Payment will then be expected at the time of service. Please bring your insurance cards to each visit so the information can be checked and a copy placed in your chart.
Financial Information
Your insurance coverage is an agreement between you and your insurance company. Financial responsibility rests with the patient for deductibles, co-insurances, and non-covered services. Insurance coverage is a variable, and we cannot guarantee what services will be covered by your particular plan. We request that you sign an authorization form, which will enable us to receive insurance payments directly when applicable. Co-payments are due at the time of service. For your convenience, we accept personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and cash.
A no-show fee of $50.00 will be charged to patients who fail to appear for their appointment and provide less than 24 hours' notice of cancellation.
Pathology, Labs, and X-rays
Surgical specimens are sent to a laboratory for analysis. The fee for this is a separate charge from the office visit and may be billed directly by the processing lab. Results are usually available 7-10 days after the test has been performed. Questions regarding payments for laboratory services should be directed to the laboratory.
Prescription Refills
Prescription refill requests will be taken only during regular office hours.