Eczema is a group of skin conditions that cause inflammation, itching, and irritated skin. These skin conditions aren’t contagious but can have a long-lasting impact on the health of your skin.
At Dermatology Center of Northwest Houston, board-certified dermatologist Lisa Hitchins, MD, offers comprehensive care for eczema. Dr. Hitchins specializes in medical treatments to relieve the symptoms of eczema and also focuses on helping you prevent future eczema flare ups.
By educating her patients, Dr. Hitchins can reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Your eczema education should include learning as much as you can about your condition, including some of the common myths that people believe about the chronic skin issue.
Understanding eczema
There are several forms of eczema that can affect your skin, often developing simultaneously. Different types of eczema are triggered by certain substances in your environment or by underlying medication conditions.
Common types of eczema include:
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema triggered by seasonal allergies or underlying asthma.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis causes skin irritation when you come into contact with certain substances, like skin creams, harsh cleaners, or allergens.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis causes dry, flaky skin to develop on oily areas of your body, such as your scalp, nose, and upper back.
Dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema causes small itchy blisters to develop on your fingers, palms, toes, and the soles of your feet.
Nummular eczema
Nummular eczema causes itchy, coin-shaped spots to develop on your skin.
While the root cause of eczema isn’t well understood, your genetic background may contribute to your skin sensitivities and immune system’s inflammatory response.
5 of the most common eczema myths
Many people don’t get the right treatment or don’t seek treatment for eczema symptoms because of the myths surrounding the skin condition. Some of the most common myths still circulating about eczema include:
1.MYTH: Only kids get eczema
While it’s true that many children will show signs of eczema before they reach their first birthday, the reality is that you can develop this itchy skin condition at any time.
For this reason, it’s important that you pay attention to the warning signs of eczema and continue to moisturize your skin daily with a high-quality skin care product Dr. Hitchins recommends.
On the other side of the coin, just because you have a history of eczema in your family, doesn’t mean that you or your children will absolutely get it, too.
2. MYTH: Itchy skin isn’t a big deal
The dry, itchy, and irritated skin that results from eczema may not seem like a serious health issue. However, the constant scratching you may feel compelled to do can cause long-term skin damage.
You may also be underestimating the severity of itching and irritation from eczema. The chronic discomfort of your skin can interfere with your usual activities and decrease your overall quality of life.
Before your skin issues get bad, it’s always best to seek a diagnostic evaluation with an experienced dermatologist like Dr. Hitchins.
3. MYTH: It’ll get better on its own
Eczema itching and irritation needs treatment to prevent more serious complications. If you let your skin issues go too long without treatment, it can result in skin damage from scratching and painful bacterial infections that make your eczema symptoms even more unbearable.
The key to managing your eczema is to begin treatment at the first signs of the skin irritation to prevent a worsening of your symptoms.
4. MYTH: Treatment will cure eczema
While you can learn to manage eczema and prevent symptom flare ups, there is currently no cure for this skin disease.
Instead, Dr. Hitchins works closely with you to ensure your skin is well-protected from the elements and from potential triggers. She can recommend non-irritating products that moisturize your skin and reduce your risk for irritation and chronically dry and scaly skin.
5. MYTH: Lifestyle changes won’t help eczema
It’s likely you’ll need some medications to relieve eczema dryness and itching. However, you also need to make certain changes in your life to keep your condition under control.
Lifestyle changes are half the battle in the fight against eczema and Dr. Hitchins helps you strategize your prevention plan based on your individual needs.
You don’t have to suffer through another day with eczema symptoms. Call Dermatology Center of Northwest Houston or request an appointment online today.