Eczema Treatment in Midland, TX
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes red and itchy skin and may have the appearance of a rash, scaly patch, blister, or dry skin; however, the most common symptom of eczema is itchy skin. There are seven different types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis.
Eczema is extremely common and more than 31 million people in the United States have eczema. Although eczema is most common in children, it can occur at any age. It is also important to note that eczema is a chronic condition and is likely to reappear later in life, even if you have gone several years without a new flare-up.
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema is an itchy skin reaction caused by an immune system reaction, either from environmental factors or just an overactive immune system. We don’t necessarily know what triggers eczema in all patients, but it tends to be more common in patients who have a family history of eczema, as well as more common in patients who have allergies or asthma. Although eczema is an immune system reaction and not an allergic reaction, it can be associated with allergies and may sometimes be worse in patients who have allergies.
How to Treat Eczema
For those of us who live in West Texas, the dry climate definitely doesn’t do us any favors when it comes to an eczema diagnosis, as eczema is far more common in dry climates than it is in humid climates. While there is no cure for eczema, there are a number of clinical treatments or self-care measures one may take to help relieve itching and reduce the likelihood of new outbreaks.
The primary factor in treating eczema is to repair the skin barrier by moisturizing. The skin barrier is the protective covering of the skin, and is what helps protect us from the environment. In addition to moisturizers, some of the typical treatment options for eczema include antihistamines, topical steroid creams and corticosteroids. Your physician will be able to recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Patients with eczema can flare with skin infections, allergies, or other infections, such as strep throat. If you develop other illnesses, it may be important to also have those treated in order to improve your eczema. We typically treat eczema with topical steroids, which are anti-inflammatory in nature, but they also help in repairing the skin barrier.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re looking for treatment for eczema in Midland, Texas, we would love to see you at Midland Dermatology! Our board-certified dermatologists and certified physician assistants can help diagnose and treat your eczema or itchy skin.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at Midland Dermatology, call 432-689-2512.
*The content provided in this post is for informational purposes and does not diagnose or treat any medical conditions or diseases. Always seek guidance from a physician regarding any medical concerns you may have.
