SARASOTA – A Suncoast dermatologist is helping spread awareness on eczema, as early treatment can help prevent more serious issues in the long run.
“It’s a red, bumpy, dry, patchy rash,” said Hawthorne Clinic and Research Center, Dr. Christopher Tumpkin.
Atopic Dermatitis, otherwise known as Eczema, is a skin condition that affects the quality of life of many children, teenagers and adults.
Eczema can appear as a rash on the legs, the arms, the back of the neck and sometimes even on your face.
“Many kids outgrow their eczema, but if they’re not noted and treated and get their exposures, removed or fixed, then they have can long term as well as short term issues,” said Dr. Tumpkin.
Dr. Tumpkin says early diagnosis is vital in helping those who suffer from eczema in the long run
“Kids that have atopic dermatitis, 40 percent of them are going to end up having allergic rhinitis, 40 percent of those are going to end up with asthma,” said Dr. Tumpkin.
Dr. Tumpkin recommends guided testing if any symptoms of eczema come up
“So we make sure we get exactly what we want, and we work backwards from that with the things that are more likely to be the cause, whether it’s a dog or a cat or dust mites and get that taken care of and that allow us to not have a whole list of things that we can’t eat and make your life way more complicated,” said Dr. Tumpkin.
Overall, eczema diagnosis and treatment takes persistence and patience
“Identifying it, getting it checked out and then taking care of it is really important,” said Dr. Tumpkin.
