Eczema Specialist

Allergy & Asthma Affiliates

Srinagesh Paluvoi, MD

Allergist & Immunologist located in Lansdowne, VA & Gainesville, VA

Eczema often appears in infants and young children, then continues its cycle of flare-ups and remission into adulthood. Srinagesh Paluvoi, MD, FAAP, FACAAI, has years of experience helping patients of all ages, developing customized treatment that soothes their eczema symptoms and prevents future flare-ups. As a leading team member of Allergy & Asthma Affiliates, Dr. Paluvoi serves the greater Washington, D.C., area with two offices in Lansdowne and Gainesville, Virginia. To schedule an appointment, call the office that’s most convenient for you or use the online booking feature.

Eczema

What causes eczema?

Eczema refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common forms of eczema. Other types include contact dermatitis, hand dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Healthy skin has a protective barrier that prevents bacteria and other damaging substances from entering your body. The barrier also holds in moisture so your skin stays hydrated. When you have eczema, the barrier doesn’t work properly. As a result, your skin is dry and highly susceptible to infections and environmental irritants.

What symptoms develop if I have eczema?

Eczema has a variety of symptoms, but in nearly all cases, it causes red skin and itching that’s often severe. Otherwise, your skin may be swollen or dry and scaly. Some patients develop a bumpy rash or blisters that ooze and then form a scab. Eczema symptoms most often affect the face, neck, elbows, knees, and ankles, but they can appear anywhere, including on your scalp.

What triggers an eczema flare-up?

Dry skin is a significant trigger for all patients with eczema. If you have allergies, your allergens are likely to trigger a flare-up. Other triggers are different for each patient, but some of the most common include:

Skin irritants, such as soaps, disinfectants, and ingredients in skin care products
Allergens, including pollen, pet dander, and food
Environmental triggers, including high or low humidity, heat, and cigarette smoke

Many patients find that their eczema flares up when they’re under stress.

How is eczema treated?

Dr. Paluvoi develops a treatment plan to heal your skin, soothe your symptoms, and prevent future outbreaks. Your comprehensive care may include:

Moisturizing

Frequently applying a moisturizer is one of the most important steps you can take to heal and prevent eczema. An effective moisturizer supports the skin barrier, keeping your skin hydrated and protecting it from irritants. Dr. Paluvoi helps you find a moisturizer that doesn’t irritate your skin and that contains enough oil to relieve eczema.

Identifying and avoiding triggers

You can lower the chance of future eczema flare-ups by identifying your triggers and creating a plan to avoid them as much as possible.

Medical care

Dr. Paluvoi may prescribe topical creams to stop itching, reduce inflammation, repair your skin, or fight an infection. You may also need oral antibiotics, corticosteroids, or one of the newer injectable biologics if your eczema doesn’t respond to other treatments. If allergies trigger your eczema, you may benefit from immunotherapy.

If you develop itchy, red skin, call Allergy & Asthma Affiliates or schedule an appointment online for comprehensive eczema care.

What we offer