Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema Treatment in Frisco, TX

Atopic dermatitis, better known as eczema, is an itchy skin condition that can affect patients of all ages. It commonly starts in infancy or childhood as red, dry, itchy patches on the skin. Now, new treatment options offer hope to even severe cases of eczema.

Understanding Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema:

1 in 10 Americans has atopic dermatitis, and over 31 million Americans have some form of eczema. Eczema refers to a group of skin conditions that cause inflamed, irritated, and itchy skin. It includes nummular eczema, contact dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema.

Symptoms range from excessively dry, itchy skin to painful, itchy rashes that cause sleepless nights and interfere with school and work. Many people with atopic dermatitis also have asthma, food allergies, hay fever, and other environmental allergies.

At Rodgers Dermatology, we create a caring and comfortable environment to help you look—and feel—your very best. We have extensive experience treating sensitive skin. For fast relief, please contact us now and set up an appointment.

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Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis a.k.a Eczema

You can develop atopic eczema at any age, although it usually first appears in childhood. Signs and symptoms of this inflammatory skin condition include:

Red inflamed skin
Patches of dry, scaly skin
Intense itching
Swelling
Crusting or oozing skin
Painful lesions and fluid-filled tiny blisters

Note: On brown or black skin, eczema may appear gray or purple instead of red.

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Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema Treatment Options

There is no cure for eczema, but there are various treatments that can help manage the symptoms and prevent flare-ups:

Creams, Ointments, & Moisturizers

Topical steroids can be used to reduce inflammation and itching of the skin. They can be applied once or twice a day to the affected areas, depending on the strength and prescription. Topical steroids can help control mild to moderate eczema flare-ups and prevent them from worsening. The specific choice of topical steroid depends on the severity and location of eczema, as well as the age and weight of the person. They should only be used under medical supervision.

Similarly, calcineurin inhibitors are medications that help suppress the immune system’s response that causes eczema symptoms. They can be applied once or twice a day to the affected areas, depending on the prescription. Eczema happens when your immune system is overactive. Calcineurin inhibitors help control this by telling your T cells to calm down, thus reducing inflammation. Calcineurin inhibitors can help control moderate to severe eczema flare-ups that do not respond well to topical steroids. Calcineurin inhibitors come in two types: tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel). They are available as creams or ointments. They are especially useful for treating eczema on sensitive areas, such as the face or neck.

Moisturizers, also known as emollients, can also be applied to hydrate and protect the skin. They can also prevent water loss and enhance the skin barrier.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are medications that help block the action of histamine, a chemical that causes itching and inflammation in allergic reactions. They can be taken orally or applied topically to the itchy areas, depending on the type and dose of antihistamine. Antihistamines can help relieve itching and improve sleep quality in patients suffering from eczema symptoms.

Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema FAQs

What causes atopic dermatitis and eczema?

Years of research has proven that not one thing causes AD. It’s a complex disease with no cure. Not one food or allergen “causes” eczema.

Eczema is often genetic, which means that you can inherit it from your parents. If you have the genes for eczema, the condition can become activated in the presence of environmental factors that trigger your immune system.

Some common skin irritants include:

metals (especially nickel)
cigarette smoke
soaps, household cleaners, and disinfectants
bubble bath, body wash, and shampoos
fragrances
certain fabrics like wool and polyester

Is eczema contagious?

No, fortunately, eczema is not contagious. Eczema flares are a result of an overactivation of the immune system that makes the skin more sensitive to certain triggers. Some of these environmental triggers may include allergens, irritants, stress, or even cold weather changes. Because eczema is an individual body’s response to these triggers, it cannot be spread through person-to-person contact.

Can avoiding certain foods “cure” eczema and atopic dermatitis?

Many parents blame a food allergy for the skin irritation that eczema causes. However, removing foods from a child’s diet cannot cure AD, but it can cause health problems. Children need the nutrients in foods, such as eggs and milk, in order to grow and develop properly.

Testing may show allergies to certain foods, but that does not mean they are causing the eczema. Food allergies and eczema travel together, but it is not a cause and effect.

Should we cut back on bathing to reduce flare-ups?

Since AD causes extremely dry skin, some people believe they can relieve it by taking fewer baths and showers. However, research shows otherwise.

Taking a short, daily, lukewarm bath or shower helps! Bathing removes bacteria and other germs from the skin, which can reduce skin infections. Use a gentle soap, and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to the skin within a few minutes of bathing to help lock in moisturizer and reduce dryness.

To Find Relief from Severe Eczema Now, Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Rodgers

Need help coping with eczema flares in yourself or your children? Consult the medical dermatology and pediatric dermatology experts at Rodgers Dermatology for fast relief.

Request an appointment online or give us a call at 972-808-5196 to speak with our friendly, welcoming staff about your skin concerns. We look forward to providing a personalized skin care plan to help you combat atopic dermatitis.

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