"A" is for Airway "B" is for Breast Cancer "C" is for cysts "D" is for Vitamin D "E" is for Eczema "F" is for Fungus "G" is for Gynecology Learn more about Dr. Jennifer Ashton here. Do you have a question for Dr. Jennifer Ashton? Submit your questions for the doctor to answer and we will post her responses online to share.

Health Tip, September 2, 2009 "E" is for Eczema (Communication Manager Jamie Watkins recently interviewed Dr. Jennifer Ashton about several very important health issues pertaining to girls and women.) Question: Can you explain what eczema is? Answer: Eczema is a term used to describe a broad range of inflammatory skin conditions. To the eye, eczema can appear red, dry, cracked or crusty. Question: Where does eczema typically appear? Answer: The common places that eczema affects include the scalp, elbows, knees, hands and sometimes the face. Question: What causes eczema? Answer: No one knows exactly what causes it, but some theories involve the immune system and the environment (very common players in many health conditions!) Some people may show signs of skin irritation as a kind of allergic response to something that touches their skin or that they have eaten. Other people may have relatives who are prone to skin conditions, and therefore, they themselves may be at slightly higher risk of eczema. Question: Is there a cure? Answer: There is no real cure for eczema, but there are many, many treatments. Some treatments involve creams to moisturize the skin, or creams to reduce the inflammation that goes along with eczema. But there are many other treatments to try as well, including light therapy (exposure to some safe amounts of sunlight), vitamin or dietary therapy, and even salt water baths (like swimming in the ocean) and oatmeal applied to the skin (not only eaten) can improve skin reactions. Question: What can you do to lessen the symptoms? Answer: If you think you have eczema, it is best to see a dermatologist, who is a doctor who specializes in treating skin conditions. Remember that sometimes a problem with the skin is a reflection on something that is going on INSIDE your body, so it is important to cover all the bases and see a doctor who will examine you from head to toe! Question: Can you outgrow eczema? Answer: Some people do outgrow eczema, as well as other skin conditions. This should give some peace of mind to teens or tweens who are suffering with a skin problem today; it is very possible that with time, you may simply "grow out of it." Question: Is eczema something that runs in families? Answer: Like many other medical issues, eczema can run in families, but if one of your parents has it, it is not a guarantee that you yourself will get it. The most important thing is that, like any other physical or emotional problem, eczema should be properly diagnosed by a physician. Don't assume that what itches you is eczema; see a dermatologist to be sure you are getting the right treatment for the right diagnosis! To you health! Wishing you good health, Dr. Jennifer Ashton, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.