Eczema & Dermatitis Treatment in Tenerife

Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that often causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin.

Symptoms may come and go in periods known as flare-ups. During these episodes, the skin can become intensely itchy, red, cracked or irritated.

Although atopic eczema commonly begins during childhood, it can continue into adulthood or sometimes become problematic later in life.

We assess the appearance and distribution of the affected skin together with the patient’s medical history and possible triggers.

Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation, restoring the skin barrier and reducing itching. Depending on the severity, this may involve appropriate moisturising strategies, prescription topical medication and additional medical treatment when required.

For recurrent eczema, identifying factors that trigger or worsen flare-ups is an important part of long-term management.

Contact dermatitis develops when the skin reacts to something it has come into contact with. There are two main forms:

Irritant contact dermatitis
Occurs when substances repeatedly damage or irritate the skin.

Allergic contact dermatitis
Occurs when the immune system reacts to a particular substance or allergen.

Possible triggers include:

• Cosmetics
• Fragrances
• Metals
• Cleaning products
• Detergents
• Chemicals
• Gloves
• Skincare products

We assess where the dermatitis appears, when symptoms started and which products or substances may have come into contact with the affected skin.

Treatment involves controlling the inflammation while identifying and avoiding the suspected trigger whenever possible.

If an allergic cause is suspected and further investigation is required, appropriate specialist testing may be recommended.

Seborrheic dermatitis commonly affects areas of the skin with a high concentration of sebaceous glands.

Typical locations include the:

• Scalp
• Eyebrows
• Sides of the nose
• Beard area
• Ears
• Upper chest

It can cause redness, itching and greasy or flaky scales. On the scalp, it may initially appear similar to persistent dandruff.

The condition is often chronic and may repeatedly improve and return.

We examine the affected skin to distinguish seborrheic dermatitis from conditions such as psoriasis, fungal infections and other inflammatory skin diseases.

Depending on the severity and location, treatment may include medicated shampoos, topical antifungal treatment, anti-inflammatory medication or a combination of approaches.

Long-term management can help control recurrent flare-ups.

The hands are particularly vulnerable to dermatitis because they frequently come into contact with water, soap, disinfectants, cleaning products and other irritating substances. Repeated exposure can damage the natural protective barrier of the skin.

The hands may become:

• Dry
• Red
• Itchy
• Painful
• Cracked
• Inflamed

We assess the pattern of inflammation and possible occupational or environmental triggers.

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and allowing the damaged skin barrier to recover.

We can also recommend strategies to reduce exposure to irritants and protect the hands from repeated damage. If allergic contact dermatitis is suspected, additional investigation may be recommended.

Dermatitis affecting the face or eyelids can be particularly uncomfortable because the skin in these areas is sensitive. Symptoms may include redness, dryness, itching, burning, scaling or swelling.

Possible triggers include:

• Cosmetics
• Sunscreen
• Skincare products
• Fragrances
• Hair products
• Allergens
• Irritating substances
• Other inflammatory skin conditions

Because several different skin diseases can affect the face, persistent facial redness should not automatically be assumed to be eczema.

We assess the location and appearance of the inflammation together with products, medications and other possible triggers.

Once the likely cause has been identified, treatment can be selected specifically for the sensitive facial or eyelid area.

We can also advise which products or potential triggers should temporarily be avoided while the skin recovers.

Not every itchy or red rash is eczema.

Persistent itching, dryness or inflammation can also occur with fungal infections, psoriasis, allergic reactions, medication reactions and other skin conditions.

Self-treatment without knowing the cause can sometimes temporarily mask symptoms without addressing the underlying problem.

We examine the appearance and distribution of the rash and review when it started, associated symptoms, medication and possible environmental triggers.

The aim is to determine whether the symptoms are caused by eczema, another form of dermatitis or a different skin condition entirely.

Once the likely diagnosis has been established, an appropriate treatment plan can be recommended.