Nummular eczema and ringworm look very similar, and it can be very difficult for the average person to distinguish it. “Even a general doctor without an expertise in dermatology can have a hard time spotting the subtle differences,” said dermatologist Dr. Benjamin Ungar, director of the Alopecia Center of Excellence and director of the Rosacea & Seborrheic Dermatitis Clinic at Mount Sinai in New York.  “I would suggest seeing a dermatologist — the differences in appearance [between nummular eczema and ringworm] can often be subtle and the treatments are not aligned,” Dr. Ungar said ..read more

College student Karin Stoddart experienced eczema as a child. But she wasn’t officially diagnosed when she was young, and for that matter, she never thought much about it because her symptoms had been relatively minor. However, that changed at age 19 when a sudden, severe flare changed her life overnight. She soon learned she had atopic dermatitis. The diagnosis kicked off a nearly year-long ordeal of trying different remedies and negotiating with two insurance companies before she was ultimately approved for the biologic that finally eased her symptoms. Now, Stoddart is sharing an important m ..read more

Although spring ushers in warmer weather and beautiful blooms, it’s also a time when pesky allergens from both inside and outside start to get the best of us. Having an air purifier is a great way to mitigate this, but some people prefer a more natural approach. This could be why many opt for air purifying indoor plants. However, it’s worth noting that while plants do purify the air, they ultimately work a lot slower than a traditional HEPA-filtered air purifier. “One would need numerous plants to make a significant difference in the indoor air quality,” said Dr. Martin Smith, a double-certifi ..read more

Check out the spring 2024 issue of NEA Magazine. Download PDF In this issue, you’ll find an array of articles like: The latest research about tapering off drug treatments — page 8 The facts about eczema and snail mucin — page 12 Eczema-friendly spring cleaning tips — page 13 The post NEA Magazine — Spring 2024 appeared first on National Eczema Association ..read more

I discovered the National Eczema Association (NEA) through pure serendipity. While visiting my sister in Florida, I used a new suntan lotion before heading to the beach. My skin erupted with eczema. My sister suggested I talk to a good friend of hers who also had eczema. Her friend connected me with NEA.  Connecting with NEA made a life-changing difference for me. They recommended that I connect with a specific doctor at a special dermatology clinic at the University of California, San Francisco. That recommendation provided me with a solution that worked for me — an intense soak-and-smea ..read more

This latest edition of Ask the Ecz-perts focuses on how people of every gender can handle eczema on sensitive areas such as the nipples and genitals. Our expert discusses how to handle itching, what lotions and medications you can use and precautions you can take to prevent flares in these areas.  Our expert is Dr. Peter Lio, a dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University, and also the co-founder and co-director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center. If you have eczema on your nipples, what can you do to sto ..read more

Eczema flares can occur anywhere, but experiencing a flare on or around the lips can not only be highly uncomfortable but trickier to treat than other areas — much like the treatment of eczema on the eyelids. While a flare on the arms or legs can be wrapped or covered by appropriate clothing to cause less irritation, that doesn’t always apply to a flare up that’s occurring right in the middle of your face.  “Eczema of the lips most often occurs as redness, scaliness, tenderness, itchiness and/or swelling,” said Dr. Blair Murphy Rose, a dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology ..read more

Snail mucin might seem like a trendy new ingredient, but its history actually goes way back — we’re talking ancient Greece. In that long ago era, snail mucin was used for its anti-inflammatory properties to prevent or treat skin infections, and as an anti-aging agent, according to Dr. Paul Yamauchi, dermatologist at the Dermatology Institute and Skin Care Center in Santa Monica, California and affiliated with UCLA School of Medicine. “Recently, snail mucin has been formulated in several skincare products by various companies and the value is approaching $770 million dollars in 2025,” Dr. Yamau ..read more

Dr. Lisa Swanson, who is the only pediatric dermatologist practicing in the state of Idaho, joins us to talk about why people with eczema are more prone to infections, the types of infections people with eczema get, what can be done to prevent infections and what to do if you think you might be getting a skin infection. Have an idea for a podcast episode? You can reach us at podcast@nationaleczema.org. Eczema Out Loud: Treat Yo’ Self at Eczema Expo — Sarah Harris & Lauren Hewett The post Eczema Out Loud: Infections — Dr. Lisa Swanson appeared first on National Eczema Association ..read more

From the National Eczema Association, this is Eczema Answered, where world-class experts answer your questions about eczema. On this episode, Dr. Peter Lio answers the question “How do I know when it’s time to stop using a treatment?” Have an idea for a podcast episode? You can reach us at podcast@nationaleczema.org. Eczema Answered: “How Often Should I See My Dermatologist?” — Dr. Candrice Heath The post Eczema Answered: “How Do I Know When It’s Time to Stop Using a Treatment?” — Dr. Peter Lio appeared first on National Eczema Association ..read more