Eczema is a chronic skin condition that can cause redness, itching, dryness, and irritation. At Dermatology Associates Skin & Cancer Center, our dermatology team, led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Christopher Wolfe, provides compassionate, expert care to help you find lasting relief and restore your skin’s natural balance.
Relieve Dryness and Rebuild Your Skin Barrier
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory condition that disrupts the skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness, itching, redness, and sometimes oozing or thickened patches. It often flares in response to triggers like allergens, stress, or irritants. Because it compromises the skin’s ability to retain moisture and resist bacteria, professional care is essential to restore skin health and comfort. With the right management, most patients can achieve long-term control and significantly reduce flare-ups.
Signs & Symptoms of Eczema:
- Persistent itching, especially at night or after contact with irritants
- Dry, rough, or scaly patches of skin that may crack or flake
- Redness and inflammation that can appear anywhere on the body
- Thickened or leathery skin from repeated scratching
- Oozing or crusting during flare-ups
- Sensitivity or burning sensation after using certain products
- Areas of discoloration as the skin heals and regenerates
Professional Eczema Diagnosis & Treatment
When you visit Dermatology Associates Skin & Cancer Center, your dermatologist will begin by carefully evaluating your skin’s appearance, affected areas, and symptom history. They may ask about your skincare habits, potential irritants, allergies, or family history of eczema or asthma. In some cases, patch testing or skin biopsies may be recommended to identify allergic triggers or rule out similar conditions such as psoriasis or fungal infections.
Your personalized treatment plan will focus on restoring your skin barrier and reducing inflammation. Depending on your needs, this may include topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, oral antihistamines for itch control, or advanced therapies like biologic injections for severe eczema. Your dermatologist may also suggest medical-grade moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and lifestyle modifications to prevent flare-ups. Eczema can’t be cured, but we can develop strategies for long-term symptom relief and restore healthy, resilient skin.
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema develops when the skin’s protective barrier becomes weakened, allowing moisture to escape and irritants, allergens, or microbes to enter. This disruption triggers inflammation, which leads to redness, itching, and dryness. Genetics, immune response, and environmental factors all play a role in eczema, and flare-ups can vary greatly in severity and frequency.
Because every person’s triggers are unique, understanding what contributes to your condition is key to long-term control. Common causes and triggers for eczema include:
- Genetic predisposition or family history of allergies or asthma
- Overactive immune response to environmental irritants
- Exposure to harsh soaps, detergents, or fragrances
- Changes in weather or humidity levels
- Stress or emotional strain that worsens inflammation
- Certain foods or allergens that provoke a skin reaction
Schedule Your Consultation With One of Our Dermatology Providers
Dermatology Associates Skin & Cancer Center is dedicated to providing compassionate care for every patient. Led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Wolfe, our team offers advanced medical expertise with a warm, personalized approach to help you manage chronic skin conditions like eczema effectively. With more than 50 years of service to Bay County, we remain committed to restoring comfort through attentive, detail-oriented care. Schedule your consultation today to receive a customized eczema treatment plan.
