Eczema Center - Altadena, CA
Altadena Dermatologist Doctors for EczemaType of Physician: Dermatologist What is a Dermatologist? A certification by the Board of Dermatology; practitioners treat pediatric and adult patients with disorders of the skin, mouth, hair and nails as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. They also have expertise in the care of normal skin, the prevention of skin diseases and cancers, and in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars. Specialty: Dermatology Common Name: Skin Doctor Dermatologist Doctors in Altadena * James R Esther MD  Marion Quinn & Heather Butler MDs  Dr David Denenholz Inc  Dr David Denenholz Inc  Dr David Denenholz Inc  Marion Quinn & Heather Butler MDs  Robert B Seltzer MD  Dr David Denenholz Inc  Lenore Kakita MD  HealthCare Partners Medical Group Fair Oaks  Huntington Dermatology Group  Christiaan P Hallman MD  Huntington Dermatology Group  Marilyn A Mehlmauer MD & Sogol Saghari MD  Marilyn A Mehlmauer MD & Sogol Saghari MD  Huntington Dermatology Group  Bennett & Shim MDs  Paul J McAndrews MD  Bennett & Shim MDs  Descanso Dermatology  Descanso Dermatology  Descanso Dermatology  Facey Medical Group San Gabriel  Sid Danesh MD  Alan Mantell MD  Jane Wada MD  Lawrence M Schall MD  David A Voron MD Inc  Jen-Yee Shen MD  Dong Chang MD  Lo Medical Group  Oshin Bojalian MD  Michael Novak MD Inc  Michael Novak MD Inc  Advanced Cosmetics & Dermatology Medical Center Inc  John J Guagenti MD  USC Norris Cancer Center & Hospital Dermatology  USC Norris Cancer Center & Hospital Dermatology  LAC & USC Medical Center  LAC & USC Medical Center  Irene Lao MD  Leopold G Hernandez MD  Christopher Ho MD  LA Laser & Cosmetic Dermatology Center  LA Laser & Cosmetic Dermatology Center  John J Estrada MD  Stuart L Shear MD  Kaiser Permanente  Kaiser Permanente  Lisa Benest MD  Lisa Benest MD  Martin H Kay MD  Jeff Ashley MD  Lakeside Medical Associates  George Tabor MD  Kangihnn Paik MD  Fernando B Canon MD  Drs Cho & Han  Rebecca L Fitzgerald MD  Richard H Chu MD  Douglas A Blose MD  Tommy H Chen MD  Preferred Dermatology  Gerard Nat MD  Rozalia Kovelman MD  Downey Dermatologic Medical Group Inc  Downey Dermatologic Medical Group Inc  Vitiligo & Pigment Institute of Southern California  Wilshire Aesthetics Medical Group  Magan Medical Clinic  Boston Dermatology  California Dermatology Center  Jacob Rispler MD  Erma L Benitez MD  Carla E Herriford MD  Richard P Kaplan MD  William D Keith MD  Dermatologic Medical Associates of Century City  David Rahimi MD  Forever Young Inc  Dermatologic Medical Associates of Century City  Daniel E Gormley MD  Kaiser Permanente Allergy & Dermatology  Gene J Lin MD  City of Angels Dermatology  Drs Goldman & Dubow  Drs Goldman & Dubow  Brian P Mekelburg & Michelle Lee MDs  Robert D Leibowitz MD  Brian P Mekelburg & Michelle Lee MDs  Millard H Zisser MD  William Coffey MD  Metropolitan Dermatology Medical Group  Kirby Dermatology  Hirsch Skin & Cancer Medical Group  Cedars-Sinai Medical Group Dermatology  Derek H Jones MD  Cedars-Sinai Medical Group Dermatology  David C Hansen MD  Derek H Jones MD Altadena, CaliforniaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-10
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EczemaWhat is eczema?Eczema is a general term for many types of skin inflammation, also known as dermatitis. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis (some people use these two terms interchangeably). However, there are many different forms of eczema. Eczema can affect people of any age, although the condition is most common in infants, and about 85% of people have an onset prior to 5 years of age. Eczema will permanently resolve by age 3 in about half of affected infants. In others, the condition tends to recur throughout life. People with eczema often have a family history of the condition or a family history of other allergic conditions, such as asthma or hay fever. Up to 20% of children and 1%-2% of adults are believed to have eczema. Eczema is slightly more common in girls than in boys. It occurs in people of all races. Eczema is not contagious, but since it is believed to be at least partially inherited, it is not uncommon to find members of the same family affected.
What are the causes of eczema?Doctors do not know the exact cause of eczema, but a defect of the skin that impairs its function as a barrier, possibly combined with an abnormal function of the immune system, are believed to be an important factors. Studies have shown that in people with atopic dermatitis, there are gene defects that lead to abnormalities in certain proteins (such as filaggrin) that are important in maintaining the barrier of normal skin. Some forms of eczema can be triggered by substances that come in contact with the skin, such as soaps, cosmetics, clothing, detergents, jewelry, or sweat. Environmental allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions) may also cause outbreaks of eczema. Changes in temperature or humidity, or even psychological stress, can lead to outbreaks of eczema in some people.
What are the symptoms of eczema?Eczema ... Recommended Reading Related to EczemaAllergy Treatment Begins At Home » IntroductionAvoidance is always the best treatment for allergies regardless of which allergens are the triggers. Interestingly enough, the most effective, least expensive, and simplest options are not always followed. Many people choose medications or vaccinations instead, despite their drawbacks. Fortunately, there are lots of simple methods, both old and new, to help with avoidance. Remember, putting into practice any of these measures can only be helpful in managing your allergies. The good news is that you really don't have to strip your house down to the bare bones to make it allergy proof. Thorough and regular cleaning generally makes a huge difference in keeping your house as mold and dust free as possible. Patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis that are due to dust mites, molds, or other indoor allergens can feel better by taking these simple measures:
Other Related Eczema ArticlesEmergency Contact for Altadena
Nearby Altadena Hospitals *Huntington Hospital Aurora Las Encinas Hospital Verdugo Hills Hospital San Gabriel Valley Medical Center Glendale Adventist Medical Center Methodist Hospital Alhambra Hospital Medical Center City of Angels Medical Center Ingleside Campus Garfield Medical Center Glendale Memorial Hospital & Health Center BHC Alhambra Hospital Monterey Park Hospital USC University Hospital USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center City of Hope National Medical Center LAC + USC Medical Center LAC + USC Medical Center Women's & Children's Hospital Gateways Hospital & Mental Health Center Barlow Respiratory Hospital Pacific Alliance Medical Center Kaiser Mental Health Center White Memorial Medical Center Greater El Monte Community Hospital Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center Promise Hospital of East Los Angeles Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center East Los Angeles Doctors Hospital Temple Community Hospital St Vincent Medical Center Beverly Hospital Kaiser Permanente Medical Center Baldwin Park Good Samaritan Hospital Los Angeles Community Hospital Shriners Hospitals for Children Los Angeles Vista Specialty Hospital of San Gabriel Valley Hollywood Community Hospital California Hospital Medical Center Doctor's Hospital West Covina Orthopaedic Medical Center Citrus Valley Medical Center Queen of the Valley Campus Kindred Hospital San Gabriel Valley Los Angeles Metropolitan Medical Center Community Hospital of Huntington Park VA Greater Los Angeles HealthCare System Citrus Valley Medical Center Inter Community Campus Foothill Presbyterian Hospital East Valley Hospital Medical Center Pacifica Hospital of the Valley Olympia Medical Center Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital Miracle Mile Medical Center Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Aurora Charter Oak Hospital Downey Regional Medical Center Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center Kaiser Permanente Panorama City Medical Center Whittier Hospital Medical Center Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center Hollywood Community Hospital of Van Nuys San Dimas Community Hospital St Francis Medical Center Sherman Oaks Hospital Metropolitan State Hospital Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center Mission Community Hospital Brotman Medical Center Coast Plaza Doctors Hospital Valley Presbyterian Hospital Martin Luther King Jr MAC Service Center Norwalk Community Hospital Kindred Hospital Los Angeles Kindred Hospital La Mirada Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Eczema by Our Doctors
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Related Diseases & Conditions
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Rash
- The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
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Heat Rash
- Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating. It can occur at any age and it appears as a rash that itches or feels prickly, and looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. Pictures of heat rash are included.
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Cellulitis
- Cellulitis is an acute spreading bacterial infection below the surface of the skin characterized by redness, warmth, inflammation, and pain. The most common cause of cellulitis is the bacteria Staph (Staphylococcus aureus).
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Hives
- Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a sign of an allergic reaction. The allergy may be to food or medications, but usually the cause of the allergy (the allergen) is unknown.
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Rosacea
- Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness of the forehead, chin, and lower half of the nose. In addition to inflammation of the facial skin, symptoms include dilation of the blood vessels and pimples (acne rosacea) in the middle third of the face. Oral and topical antibiotics are treatments for rosacea. If left untreated, rhinophyma (a disfiguring nose condition) may result.
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Poison Ivy
- Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that cause an itchy skin rash and skin inflamation when contacted directly. This poison can be treated with medications such as calamine lotion and cortisone drugs.
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Itching
- Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
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Impetigo
- Impetigo is a contagious skin infection caused by staph and strep bacteria. There are two types of impetigo: non-bullous and bullous. Symptoms of non-bullous impetigo include small blisters on the nose, face, arms, or legs and possibly swollen glands. Bullous impetigo symptoms include blisters in various areas, particularly in the buttocks area. Treatment involves gentle cleansing, removing the crusts of popped blisters, and the application of prescription-strength mupirocin antibiotic ointment.
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Allergy
- An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
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Keratosis Pilaris
- Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common skin disorder in which small white or red bumps appear around hair follicles on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and cheeks. The cause of KP is unknown. There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, and the condition may resolve on its own. Gentle exfoliation, professional manual extraction, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion, along with topical products, are the best treatments for this condition.
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Tinea Versicolor
- Tinea versicolor is a fungus infection that mainly affects the skin of young people. Recognized by light or reddish brown spots, and areas lighter than the surrounding skin. Tinea versicolor is caused by yeast actually found in our skin. Factors like heat, humidity, and sweat help it proliferate in people, resulting in a rash that is not contagious to others.
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Food Allergy
- The most common food allergies are to eggs, nuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, strawberries and tomatoes. Symptoms and signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itching, hives, eczema, asthma, lightheadedness, and anaphylaxis. Allergy skin tests, RAST, and ELISA tests may be used to diagnose a food allergy. Though dietary avoidance may be sufficient treatment for mild allergies, the use of an Epipen may be necessary for severe food allergies.
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Eye Allergy
- Eye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics may cause eye allergies. Allergic eye conditions include allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Dry eye, tear-duct obstruction, and conjunctivitis due to infection are frequently confused with eye allergies. Eye allergies may be treated with topical antihistamines, decongestants, topical mast-cell stabilizers, topical antiinflammatory drugs, systemic medications, and allergy shots.
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Asthma
- Asthma is a common disorder in which chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (bronchi) makes them swell, narrowing the airways. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough and wheezing.
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Mercury Poisoning
- Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in water, soil, and the air. Mercury is also contained in some fish, some of the products we use in the home, school, or dentist. Information about sources of mercury exposure, potential health effects, symptoms of exposure, fish that may contain mercury, consumer products that contain mercury, and ways to reduce your exposure to mercury is important for the health of you, and your family.
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Sunburn (Sun Poisoning)
- Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV rays can also damage the eyes. Repeated overexposure to UV rays also increases the risk for scarring, freckles, wrinkles, and dry skin. Symptoms of sunburn include painful, red, tender, and hot skin. The skin may blister, swell, and peel. Sun poisoning (severe sunburn) include nausea, fever, chills, rapid pulse, dizziness and more. Treatment for sunburn depends upon the severity. Sun protection and sunscreen for an individual's skin type is recommended to decrease the chance of sunburn.
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Dandruff (Seborrhea)
- Dandruff (seborrhea) is a skin disorder that results from neither too much moisture nor too much oil. Dandruff can be treated with shampoos that contain tar, salicylic acid, zinc, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole.
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Asthma in Children
- Asthma, the main cause of chronic illness in children, has signs and symptoms in children that include frequent coughing spells, low energy while playing, complaints of chest "hurting," wheezing while breathing, shortness of breath, and feelings of tiredness. Treatment will involve a doctor creating an asthma action plan which will describe the use of asthma medications and when to seek emergency care for the child.
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Birthmark
- Birthmarks and other abnormal skin pigmentation is caused by the body's inability to produce enough melanin. Abnormal skin pigmentation can cause conditions such as vitiligo, pigmentation loss, melasma, albinism, port wine stains, macular stains and hemangioma.
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Swimmer's Ear
- Swimmer's ear (external otitis) is an infection of the skin that covers the outer ear canal. Causes of swimmer's ear include excessive water exposure that leads to trapped bacteria in the ear canal. Symptoms include a feeling of fullness in the ear, itching, and ear pain. Chronic swimmer's ear may be caused by eczema, seborrhea, fungus, chronic irritation, and other conditions. Common treatment includes antibiotic ear drops.
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Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition. Symptoms and signs include a red, scaling rash on the scalp, face, ears, and torso. Treatment often includes the use of a medicated shampoo and the application of a topical steroid lotion.
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Allergy Treatment Begins At Home
- Avoiding allergy triggers at home is one of the best ways to prevent allergy symptoms. Controlling temperature, humidity, and ventilation are a few ways to allergy-proof the home. Cleaning, vacuuming, and using HEPA air filters also helps control allergies.
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Latex Allergy
- Latex allergy is a condition where the body reacts to latex, a natural product derived from the rubber tree. The reaction can either be delayed and cause a skin rash or immediate, which can lead to anaphylaxis. Avoiding latex is the most effective way to prevent an allergic reaction.
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Cosmetic Allergies
- Fragrances and preservatives in cosmetics may cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms include redness, itching, and swelling after the product comes in contact with the person's skin. Treatment typically involves the use of over-the-counter cortisone creams.
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Indoor Allergens
- Indoor allergens are substances that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Common sources of indoor allergens include dust mites, cockroaches, molds, pets, and plants. Avoiding indoor allergens is one way to reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.
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Occupational Asthma
- Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by exposure to a substance in the workplace. Symptoms and signs include wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The usual treatment for occupational asthma involves removal from exposure and the use of bronchodilators and inhaled anti-inflammatory medicines.
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