Pittsburgh Skin offers comprehensive dermatologic care and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all skin conditions. Regular skin exams are recommended for patients at risk for skin cancer, including those with a history of skin cancer, family history of melanoma, tanning bed use, a high number of moles, or a history of abnormal moles. Studies show that skin exams by a board-certified dermatologist detect skin cancer at an earlier stage.
Acne and rosacea are common skin conditions that can appear in various forms at any stage of life. At Pittsburgh Skin, our providers will create an individualized treatment plan for you that may combine topical and/or oral medications.
Our providers evaluate and treat a wide variety of rashes, including eczema, psoriasis, allergic reactions, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Specialized Dermatological Care in Pittsburgh
At North Hills Center for Dermatology, we are your trusted destination for premier dermatological care in Pittsburgh, PA. Our practice is dedicated to providing exceptional general dermatology services tailored to meet the unique needs of our patients. Led by Dr. Nova Shu, MD, we are committed to ensuring the health and vitality of your skin.
We understand the importance of comprehensive skincare. Whether you're dealing with common skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis, or seeking preventative care and screenings, our compassionate team is here to help. With a focus on patient-centered care and personalized treatment plans, we strive to deliver exceptional results and ensure your satisfaction at every visit.
Experience the difference that expert dermatological care can make for your skin and overall well-being at North Hills Center for Dermatology.
As a proud member of the QualDerm family of dermatology practices, our dedication lies in offering comprehensive general dermatology services tailored to meet your unique needs. From diagnosing and treating common skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis to providing specialized care for skin cancer, we are committed to delivering exceptional service at every step of your journey.
With a focus solely on medical dermatology, we specialize in providing treatments that address various concerns related to your skin's health. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art techniques to ensure natural-looking results and upholds the highest standards of care as a member of QualDerm Partners. We are dedicated to providing you with access to the latest advancements in skincare, ensuring you receive personalized, expert dermatological care that makes a difference for your skin.
Ready to take the first step towards healthier skin? Schedule your appointment with North Hills Center for Dermatology today.
Understanding Eczema
Dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, is an extremely common skin condition that causes inflammation, leaving skin red, dry, scaly, and itchy, sometimes even causing blistering and cracking. Eczema on hands is more than just a skin condition-it can interfere with everyday tasks, affect your comfort, and lower your quality of life.
While eczema can affect anyone, it’s often linked to genetics, allergies, or environmental triggers. Our board-certified dermatologists begin by identifying the root cause of your hand eczema. There are several types of eczema, each with its own triggers and symptoms.
Eczema is a condition where you’ll experience dry, itchy, and often inflamed skin. It usually is found to occur in children but can happen at any age. Eczema is a chronic condition that is met with flare-ups over time and is not contagious. Eczema is actually a group of conditions that cause the skin to be red and itchy and it is a very common condition. There are seven different types of eczema that you might deal with.
Types of Eczema
- Atopic Dermatitis: This is the most common type of eczema. It’s a chronic and inflammatory type of eczema that typically affects the backs of the knees and elbows and produces symptoms that are typically seen in most people with eczema, such as dry, scaly skin, itching, and redness.
- Contact Dermatitis: Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes into contact with allergens or an irritating substance, such as some soaps and fragrances, detergents, pollen, or animal dander, wool, or nickel in jewelry. Allergic contact dermatitis is diagnosed with a physical exam and comprehensive patch testing performed in the office.
- Nummular Eczema: Produces scaly, coin-shaped patches that are very itchy.
- Neurodermatitis: Very similar in appearance to atopic dermatitis, and it affects about 12% of people in the US, according to the NEA. Symptoms include thick, scaly patches that form on the scalp, neck, shoulders, hands, ankles, and feet.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: This type of eczema usually forms on parts of the body that have a lot of sebaceous, or oil-producing, glands, such as the scalp, back, or eyebrows. When it affects the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis results in dandruff.
- Dyshidrotic Eczema: This skin condition produces small, fluid-filled blisters on the soles of the feet, toes, palms, and fingers.
- Stasis Dermatitis: Usually affects the lower legs and typically affects the elderly. It’s caused by a circulation problem that affects blood flow, causing fluid to leak out of weakened veins and into the skin.
Symptoms and Causes of Eczema
Most commonly, you should notice that eczema leaves you with symptoms like dry, cracked skin, itchiness, a rash, small, raised bumps, oozing and crusting, thickened skin, and raw sensitive skin from scratching. Eczema is usually hereditary and is found to be related to a gene variation. There are certain things that may trigger eczema to flare up.
Some common causes of eczema include genetics, an overactive immune system, environmental triggers (like allergens, pollution, or weather changes), irritants (such as soaps, detergents, and fragrances), stress, and certain food allergies. These factors can lead to skin inflammation and flare-ups. Without enough filaggrin, skin dries out rapidly, making it difficult to retain proper moisture levels. While the exact eczema cause is unknown, researchers have found that exposure to certain substances or even situations can trigger a skin reaction, resulting in noticeable symptoms.
Eczema in Different Age Groups
Eczema can occur at any age, but children (including babies and toddlers) are most vulnerable to the condition. Eczema flare-ups can take on different patterns and symptoms depending on your age:
- Infants often display dry, scaly eczema which can be distributed all over their bodies, though cheeks are often the first area to be affected.
- Toddlers tend to show eczema in more localized areas, especially on or between the wrists, elbows, ankles, and knees. Your toddler may also be scratching these areas, making them appear raw.
- School-age children usually have eczema localized between the elbows and knees, as well as the neck, eyes, ears, and scalp. Eczema tends to improve as children age, and may even clear up by adulthood.
- Adults who continue to have eczema usually show symptoms that are more dry than in children, though the affected areas remain localized. Adults may also suffer from recurring staph infections and become especially vulnerable to irritant contact dermatitis (particularly from water, cleaning chemicals, and other irritating substances).
Living with Eczema
Eczema is a chronic condition that affects more than 31 million people in the United States, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA). It causes dry, scaly skin with redness and itching, and blisters or tiny bumps with a rash-like appearance. In severe cases, the skin may form painful cracks that bleed and form a crust. It’s very common for babies and young children to develop eczema on their cheeks and chin, but it can appear anywhere on the body and affect people of all ages.
Living with eczema can be challenging and frustrating, as the condition can greatly affect your quality of life, often leading to difficulty sleeping, low self-esteem, embarrassment, and avoiding social situations. People with eczema commonly experience flare-ups and periods of remission. During a flare-up, skin is actively itchy and inflamed, while during remission, the skin heals and you may not have any noticeable symptoms. Remission can last weeks, months, or even years.
Eczema Treatment Options in Pittsburgh
For over 40 years, Mt. Lebanon Dermatology Associates has been a trusted name in medical dermatology, providing expert care for eczema and other skin conditions. Our dedicated team has built long-term relationships with a loyal base of returning patients, reflecting our commitment to delivering exceptional, personalized care.
Known for spending time with patients and truly listening to their concerns, our providers create tailored treatment plans to help manage eczema and improve quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with mild irritation or severe symptoms, our client-centered approach ensures you feel understood and supported every step of the way. At Mt. Lebanon Dermatology Associates, your health and comfort are always our top priorities.
The Golla Center for Dermatology in Pittsburgh offers assistance with eczema. As the rash appears, it becomes itchy, so our natural reaction is to scratch it. Instead of scratching, apply a cold wet compress and soothing creams or lotions to help reduce the inflammation.
Managing Eczema Symptoms
Can Eczema be treated? There isn’t an eczema cure, but many treatments can help manage symptoms. It’s important to remember that eczema treatment must be consistent, regardless of which type of eczema you have.
Skin care: Ensuring that your skin stays moist is important if you have eczema. Itching increases when your skin is dry, so using a moisturizer, cream, or ointment can help keep your skin moisturized. Applying these products several times a day, especially after showering or bathing while your skin is still slightly wet, can help to restore the moisture barrier and hydrate your skin. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and coconut oil.
Avoid triggers: For many people with eczema, exposure to certain ingredients or substances can cause symptoms to flare up. Avoiding products containing alcohol, perfumes, dyes, or fragrance can be beneficial and keep the itching and redness under control.
Treat the itch: Preventing and treating itching is an important component of eczema treatment. Although an eczema cure isn’t available, it’s possible to effectively control and minimize your symptoms with proper treatment and by practicing good skin care.
Generally speaking, patients suffering from eczema will need to determine trigger factors (commonly environmental or food-related) and reduce exposure to these triggers. We can also provide you with the appropriate moisturizers and topical steroids to treat your specific symptoms. Every case is different, and with our personalized, patient-first approach, the team at Mt. Lebanon Dermatology Associates can help develop a treatment plan that works for you.
Eczema and Allergy Treatments
Eczema and allergies are closely related because eczema is often triggered or worsened by allergic reactions. Treatments for eczema often focus on managing inflammation and itchiness caused by allergens, while allergy treatments aim to reduce the body's sensitivity to these triggers. Both conditions can benefit from antihistamines, avoiding allergens, and moisturizing to protect the skin barrier.
When to See a Dermatologist
An often frustrating condition, warts that do not respond to over-the-counter treatments should be evaluated by a dermatologist. To schedule a comprehensive skin evaluation from one of our expert dermatologists, contact a Forefront Dermatology location near you today.
If you’d like to start finding relief and feeling great in your skin, schedule your first appointment online or reach out to us by phone at (412) 563-0217.
Ask the Expert: Taking care of a child with severe eczema
Is eczema contagious? No, eczema is not contagious.
Can eczema be cured? There is no definitive cure for eczema, but it can be effectively managed with proper treatment.
How long does it take to see results? The time it takes to see results can vary depending on the severity of the eczema and the chosen treatment plan.
Can children get eczema? Yes, eczema is common in children, especially atopic dermatitis.
Dr. Vélez trained with leaders in the field of nail disease and has a particular interest in nail conditions. She has significant experience in nail surgery for both the diagnosis and treatment of nail disorders.
The pattern of hair loss, history of presentation, and associated symptoms can help determine the cause of hair loss and how best to treat it. Our providers will perform a thorough exam and consider your medical history in order to help identify the cause of hair loss. In some cases, a scalp biopsy may be necessary. Treatment for hair loss can be challenging, but we offer a range of topical, oral, and injected medications, including platelet-rich plasma.
Actinic keratoses are precancerous growths caused by years of sun damage. They often appear as a persistent scaly or rough patch on a sun-exposed area (e.g., face, hands) that can be sore or easily irritated. Actinic keratoses can be treated with liquid nitrogen, topical prescription medication, or in-office treatments including chemical peels and photodynamic therapy (PDT).
I had an extremely bad skin condition, but the team at Golla Center for Dermatology quickly solved all my issues! They even helped me find a coupon for my prescribed medication and helped me save a ton of money.
Contact the Golla Center for Dermatology in Pittsburgh today for a complete exam and consultation of your eczema. Don’t let eczema control your life.
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