Specialty Care Rescues Skin from The Itch, Inflammation, and Potential Infection Risk of Eczema
Thanks to the considerable expertise of our board-certified medical dermatologist in McKinney, Texas, Dr. Huayi Zhang, our team at Bluebonnet Dermatology is well-equipped to effectively support the treatment and management of eczema, which affects one out of every 10 Americans of all ages.
What is eczema ?
Also known as “dermatitis,” eczema refers to a group of conditions that manifest as inflammation, irritation, or itchy and patchy areas of dry, red, cracked, or blistered skin. Additionally, individuals with eczema may have very scaly skin that also crusts over.
Can eczema take on many different forms ?
Oh yes! There are several different types that Dr. Zhang is proficient at diagnosing and treating. The two most common are contact dermatitis, which has “sub-types” of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis.
What are the differences between the types ?
Contact dermatitis is caused by a “trigger” exposure to an allergen or irritant. The latter sub-type may be triggered by irritating substances like detergents, soaps, solvents, and perfumes. In contrast, the former is associated with allergens like pet dander, poison ivy, latex, and nickel. Atopic dermatitis is associated with certain genetic, immune, and environmental factors.
Can I pass it on to others ?
Unlike warts, chicken pox, and athlete’s foot, eczema, across its varied forms, is not contagious. In fact, you can’t even spread it to others through close, skin-on-skin contact. Eczema arises due to the body’s immune response. It is not associated with any fungi, bacteria, or viruses that can lead to infections. However, the complications of eczema include skin infections caused by damage due to intense scratching of very itchy areas.
How do you treat it ?
For starters, it should be understood that there is no “cure” for atopic dermatitis. But we help patients successfully manage their eczema all the time. We do that with a multifaceted approach, which may include medications, skin care products (and regimens), and lifestyle modifications. The aim is to address and resolve any triggers that can lead to flare-ups of symptoms.
Do you treat children ?
We know that eczema is very common in young children. And we treat pediatric patients aged eight years and older. Thankfully, eczema that develops in childhood often gets better, and its symptoms become milder with time. Only about half of children with eczema will carry the condition into adulthood.
Why should I trust my skin to Bluebonnet Dermatology ?
As a practice led by a board-certified medical dermatologist, we have the capabilities to properly diagnose eczema and to rule out the many other conditions with similar or shared signs and symptoms. Due to our expertise as a specialty provider, we also have the full range of options to manage eczema effectively.
If you are concerned that you may have this disorder, contact us without delay today. By treating it promptly, you can stop the itch and the embarrassment of noticeable patches and prevent serious complications like skin infections. Call (469) 663-5777 to schedule an appointment at our McKinney, TX office.