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.
Take control of your skin health today!
Struggling with eczema flare-ups? You don’t have to live with the discomfort, itch, or frustration. Call (469) 663-8838 to schedule your eczema consultation with Bluebonnet Dermatology. We proudly serve patients from McKinney, as well as the surrounding communities of Allen, Frisco, and Plano.
Does eczema spread to others?
Eczema is not contagious, so you can hug, handshake, and high-five without worry. It’s a skin condition caused by a combination of genetics, your immune system, and environmental factors, not something you can catch like a cold.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eczema
Can eczema make you allergic to certain food?
Not exactly. While eczema and food allergies often go hand in hand, eczema itself doesn’t cause food allergies. However, some of our patients with eczema may notice flare-ups when they eat certain food like dairy, soy, or nuts. If you think food might be a trigger, talk to our team at Bluebonnet Dermatology before removing major items from your diet.
Can eczema go away forever?
Eczema is often a lifelong condition for some people, but the good news is that many children tend to outgrow it, and adults can learn to manage it effectively. Flare-ups can become more manageable and less frequent with the right treatment plan and smart skincare.
Why does eczema itch more at night?
Your body’s natural inflammation levels can be higher at night, and as you wind down, your brain doesn’t have as many distractions, making that itchy feeling harder to ignore. A good pre-sleep skincare routine helps!
Is stress really a trigger for eczema?
Unfortunately, yes. Stress doesn’t exactly cause eczema, but it can make the symptoms worse. When you are stressed, your body releases chemicals that have been found to contribute to inflammation, and inflammation causes eczema flare-ups. De-stressing activities like yoga or even a good laugh often do wonders.
Can you wear makeup if you have eczema?
Yes, but you will need to choose hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products. Also, always patch-test new products before applying them to your face to avoid any surprises.
Does hot weather help or hurt eczema?
This depends. For some of our patients at Bluebonnet Dermatology, the heat dries out their skin or makes it sweaty, which might eventually result in irritation. Others find that a period of vitamin D from sunshine improves their skin. Remember to wear sunscreen designed for sensitive skin, as eczema and sunburn are not a good combination.
Can certain fabrics make eczema worse?
Yes, rough or synthetic fabrics can aggravate eczema-prone skin. Soft, breathable materials like cotton are your best friend. Stay comfy and chic while protecting your skin.
Is there a seasonal pattern to eczema?
Absolutely. Eczema tends to spike in colder months due to dry air and indoor heating, but some people also experience flare-ups during allergy season or in extreme heat. Keeping your skin moisturized and protected year-round is key.
Can eczema be made worse with water?
Water can be a double-edged sword for eczema. While soaking too long in the bath or shower can dry out your skin, quick lukewarm showers followed by moisturizer help lock in hydration. We recommend investing in a gentle cleanser and avoiding bubble baths.
Who is in the area of McKinney, Texas, and open to new dermatology patients?
If you are a resident in or around McKinney, Texas, and want to speak to one of our providers about the services available to you, we invite you to book a consultation visit with our doctor. We can work with you in solving your skincare concerns under the care and attention of our experienced dermatological staff.
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) 663-8838 to schedule an appointment at our McKinney, TX office. Besides McKinney, we proudly serve nearby communities, including Frisco, Plano, Allen, Fairview, Prosper, Melissa, Wylie, Princeton, and greater North Dallas.
