Eczema
Eczema, most commonly atopic dermatitis, is a skin disorder that persists for a prolonged period of time. Your skin barrier doesn’t work the way it should, and that leads to flare-ups. You may deal with itching, redness, and dry patches that show up, fade, and come back again. It’s more than a rash or a rough patch of skin. Catching it early gives you a better chance at keeping symptoms in check. Our team at Southwest Asthma & Allergy Associates can help you figure out what’s going on and find a treatment path that works.
Request Your Appointment
Have Questions? – How can we help!
Symptoms of Eczema
Eczema symptoms differ based on age, type of skin, and severity of the problem. The most common symptoms are the following:
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Red, brown, or darker inflamed patches of skin
- Rash-like flare-ups
- Thickened or rough skin
- Cracked skin
- Oozing or crusting during flare-ups
- Skin color changes after healing
- Sensitive skin
- Sleep problems caused by itching
What Can Trigger Eczema Flare-Ups
A variety of factors in your everyday life could be responsible for triggering your eczema flare-ups:
Allergens
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Mold
Skin Irritants
- Harsh soaps
- Fragrances
- Detergents
- Certain fabrics such as wool
Environmental Factors
- Dry weather
- Heat
- Sweat
- Sudden temperature changes
Other Triggers
- Stress
- Skin infections
- Food allergies (when linked to flare-ups)
Any Questions About Eczema?
Our Diagnostic Approach
We take the time to learn about the skin condition of our patients before prescribing any medication. Our process covers the following steps:
Medical History Review
Before anything else, we sit down and talk through your health history. We ask about your symptoms, when they started, and how often flare-ups happen. We also want to know if anyone in your family has dealt with eczema, asthma, or allergies, since these conditions often run together. If you have tried other treatments in the past, that matters too. All of this helps us spot patterns and narrow down what might be setting off your symptoms.
Skin Exam
Our providers look closely at your skin during your visit. We check the affected areas, study the rash pattern, and rate how severe it is.
Allergy Testing
When allergies may play a role, we offer allergy testing. This helps us find allergens that may be making your symptoms worse.
Further Testing
In some cases, we may suggest added testing. Patch testing helps when we suspect a contact allergy. We also refer patients to a dermatologist for further review when needed.
Your Treatment Plan
After reviewing all findings, we put together a plan built around your needs. We confirm the diagnosis, rate the severity, and set clear goals before mapping out a long-term care plan.
Eczema Treatment Options
What works well for one patient may not work for another. Our team matches your treatment plan to your condition so it fits your daily life.
Skin Care Routine
- Daily moisturizing
- Gentle skin cleansing
- Protecting the skin barrier
Medication Options
- Topical steroids (when needed)
- Non-steroid creams and ointments
- Oral medicines or biologic therapy when appropriateÂ
Trigger Control
- Staying away from known irritants
- Changes to your home setting
- Allergy care when needed
Ongoing Follow-Up Care
- Checking your skin over time
- Adjusting treatment as needed
- Helping prevent flare-ups
Explore More Services
Why Patients Choose Our Allergy Care Services
Southwest Asthma & Allergy Associates has been caring for patients with skin and allergy conditions for over 40 years. That long history means we have treated a wide range of cases.
We accept Medicaid and CHIP. We also work with major insurance providers. These include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, MetLife, and United Healthcare. Our goal is to make quality care open to as many patients as we can.
For eligible patients without insurance, we offer the SWAAA Round-Up flexible payment plan. We believe no one should have to put off care because of cost.
Patient Stories
What Our Patients Has To Say
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You cannot catch it from someone else or pass it on through touch. It is tied to your immune system and skin barrier, not an infection.
Some children do see their symptoms fade as they get older. Others may still have flare-ups as adults. Each case is different, and ongoing care helps at any age.
In some cases, food may make the symptoms worse. Our team can check whether food allergies play a role and guide you on next steps.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Living with skin flare-ups is frustrating, especially when nothing seems to work. Our team at Southwest Asthma & Allergy Associates can help you understand what’s going on and manage it. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today.
