A: ABSOLUTELY NOT! Tanning beds emit intense radiation (UVA light) that damages the skin. The tanning bed industry is not well regulated in most states. The dose of radiation can vary from machine to machine. The consumer is blind to the fact that they are receiving radiation that can adversely and permanently damage their skin.

Understand that eczema is a skin condition and not a disease. I explain to patients that it is a skin sensitivity condition that is for the most part life long. Skin flares can occur when the skin is irritated. There are easy maintenance tips that can help control eczema. Good daily maintenance is minimizing water exposure and using moisturizing creams twice a day.

A: The term eczema designates a sensitive skin condition. This diagnosis is very broad and sometimes the real diagnosis is missed when all skin rashes are called "eczema". Being that the rash is under both arms, I would look for other causes. For example, how do know that this is not a contact dermatitis to your deodorant?

Try easy solutions first, such as changing deodorants. If there is not improvement, you should see your dermatologist as other conditions can present in a similar fashion. As for the discoloration, usually when the inflammation subsides, the color will resolve with time as well.

A: Both conditions can itch and present as red scaling plaques on the skin. Psoriasis is a skin condition where the skin cells divide and multiply at an accelerated rate. Eczema is a skin sensitivity condition where the skin is easily irritated usually by external stimuli. Both conditions are influenced by internal stress and emotions. Also, both conditions have a genetic predisposition in that they are passed along in families. They are controlled but not cured. Read about Eczema and Psoriasis in YourSkinDoctor.com.

A: Cortisone is not the only treatment for eczema. The concern about cortisone depends on the strength, frequency, location and duration of use. Only your doctor can tell you the risk. There are new prescription non-cortisone creams (Protopic in USA) that are very effective in controlling eczema. Daily moisturizing creams and watching water exposure are essential for people with eczema. Remember, eczema is a sensitive skin condition. Read about Eczema on YourSkinDoctor.com.

A: Eczema is a sensitive skin condition. The concept with moisturizing creams is that they "seal" and protect the skin. Pick a moisturizing cream (not lotion or oil) and use this religiously. The cream should be something that you like and not a specific name brand. This will help prevent eczema flares.

A: Eczema is a skin sensitivity condition that tends to wax and wane depending on internal and external factors. (See YourSkinDoctor.com write-up on Eczema.) Basically, this condition is controlled through puberty. Most of the time this resolves during adolescence.

Treatment is conservative and should address exacerbating factors. In some children emotions play a key role. Mild cortisone creams can be used under the supervision of a physician. Usually, over-the-counter cortisone creams pose no threat with long term use. The stronger cortisone creams are absorbed and can thin the skin with overuse. If conservative treatments are ineffective, there is a new prescription medication on the market called Protopic. This is not a steroid and is very effective for this condition. See your dermatologist.

A: No, you cannot develop or acquire eczema from irritation to the skin. Eczema is a skin sensitivity condition that can be exacerbated. Usually, if you can isolate a cause, such as fake jewelry, it suggests more of a contact sensitivity than anything else. Stop the irritation by wearing the real stuff. Over-the -counter cortisone cream (such as YSD’s Soothing Cream with Aloe) helps irritation. As far as dark areas, these should fade with time - assuming that you stop irritating it.

A: A symmetrical itching rash on the lower extremities is very suggestive of eczema. Eczema essentially means irritation of sensitive skin. The most common offender is overdrying of the skin. See the write-up on Eczema in YourSkinDoctor.com and see if this is helpful.

A: Eczema, essentially, is irritation of sensitive skin. The most natural way to treat eczema is to prevent exacerbations and irritation to the skin. The most common offenders provoking eczema are harsh soaps and frequent exposure to water . Moisturizers must be used twice daily to prevent flare. Frequently, cortisone creams (such as YSD’s Soothing Cream with Aloe) must also be added to decrease inflammation and control itching associated with eczema. You should see your physician if conservative measures are not controlling your condition.