Eczema is a common skin condition which causes the skin to develop itchy, inflamed, rough or cracked patches. 

31.6 million people in the U.S. (over 10% of the population) are affected by some type of eczema. One in every 10 individuals will develop eczema during their lifetime, making it a common condition. Thus, we will talk about eczema treatment in Michigan.

There are several types of eczema, the most common one being atopic dermatitis, which is what most people refer to when they say eczema. It generally occurs in young children and babies, affecting the faces of infants. However, eczema affects teens and adults as well.

Management of Eczema

First and foremost, you should consult your doctor regarding the dos and don’ts for the management of eczema. Nevertheless, managing most types of eczema and its symptoms generally involves the following steps:

• Be aware of your triggers.
• Take a shower and moisturise your skin daily.
• Watch out for any signs of skin infection such as pus-filled bumps, red patches, heat and pain.
• Avoid scratching and rubbing the affected area of the skin.
• Reduce contact with materials or substances that can irritate your skin.
• Use soft and breathable fabrics for clothing. Avoid synthetic fabrics and scratchy or rough materials like wool.
• Ensure that you administer your OTC and/or prescription medications consistently, as prescribed by your doctor.

Treatment of Eczema

The treatment for eczema varies depending on its type and severity. It can include prescription medication, over-the-counter remedies and lifestyle changes. 

Eczema symptoms can differ from individual to individual. There is no single treatment that suits everyone. Thus, it’s advisable to know your treatment options and consult a doctor who specializes in immune-driven diseases like eczema. You should work in collaboration with your doctor to find out the best treatment for your specific condition. Since eczema is an unpredictable disease, it’s possible that you might have an eczema flare all of a sudden. Thus, it’s imperative to consult with a healthcare provider so you have the knowhow and necessary medications to control a sudden eczema flare.

Based on the patient, a doctor can prescribe several medications to treat eczema that include:

Topicals to control itching and repair the skin: Topical corticosteroid creams are anti-inflammatory medications used to relieve major symptoms of eczema such as itchiness and inflammation.

Oral medications to control inflammation: In severe cases, a doctor might prescribe systemic corticosteroids that can be administered through injections or oral tablets.

Antibiotics to cure infection: Antibiotic creams and oral antibiotics can be prescribed by a doctor in case the patient has a bacterial skin infection.

Phototherapy: In phototherapy, the skin is exposed to UVA (artificial ultraviolet A) and narrow band ultraviolet B (UVB).

Others: Apart from the major treatment options mentioned above, there are several treatment measures such as antiviral and antifungal medications, antihistamines, topical calcineurin inhibitors and injectable biologics such as dupilumab.

What to Do Before Visiting a Doctor

Before visiting a doctor, make a list of all the medications, vitamins and supplements that you’re currently taking. Also make a note of your signs and symptoms, the frequency of their occurrence and how long they lasted. Additionally, you can also note the factors or items that triggered your symptoms — such as sweat, soaps or detergents, particular fabrics, animal dander and others.

To get eczema treatment in Michigan, contact us at The Allergy Suite in Novi. Our healthcare providers will be happy to help you combat the condition.