By Hope Mitchell, MD
The Truth Health Contributor
Each month, I share practical information on the hair and skin concerns affecting adults and children in our community. This month, I’m taking that conversation beyond the page.
Join me at Mitchell Dermatology in Perrysburg on October 22 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. for Scalp to Strand & Beyond, a free live Hair and Skin Wellness discussion featuring Chelsea Amadi, Wellness Cosmetologist + Loctician, and Joycelyn Dumfeh, PA-C.
We will discuss hair and scalp care, hair loss, eczema, psoriasis, hyperpigmentation, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and other concerns we see most often. We will also discuss available treatment options and what to consider when making informed decisions about your care.
To reserve your seat, call 419.872.HOPE (4673) or visit Mitchellderm.com
Eczema often follows a frustrating pattern. Your skin improves, the itching settles down, and then another flare begins. Understanding what is driving those flares is an important part of treatment.
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is more than dry skin. It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause itching, dryness, irritation, cracking, and changes in skin color. Flares can be triggered by weather changes, stress, sweating, fragrances, certain skin care products, fabrics, and environmental irritants.
How eczema appears on the skin can also vary. In darker skin tones, inflammation may appear brown, purple, gray, or darker than the surrounding skin rather than the redness many people associate with eczema. These differences can sometimes make the condition more difficult to recognize.
Scratching may provide temporary relief from the itch, but it can further damage the skin barrier, increase inflammation, and trigger even more itching. This is known as the itch scratch cycle, and breaking that cycle is an important part of treatment.
Your daily skin care routine also plays an important role in controlling eczema. I encourage patients to use gentle, fragrance free skin care products and moisturize regularly to help protect the skin barrier. Applying moisturizer after bathing, while your skin is still slightly damp, can help retain moisture.
I also encourage you to pay attention to when your eczema flares. Did the weather change? Were you sweating more? Did you start using a new skin care product, fragrance, detergent, or fabric? Was your stress level higher than usual? Recognizing patterns can help identify your triggers.
If your eczema comes and goes, take photographs when your skin is flaring and keep them on your phone in a file to show your dermatologist. Your skin may look very different by the time of your appointment, and those photographs can provide useful information.
Many people assume eczema is something they simply have to live with or that moisturizer is the only treatment available. While moisturizing is an important part of eczema care, treatment may also include topical medications, phototherapy, oral medications, or newer prescription targeted therapies, depending on the severity and location of your eczema.
The goal is not simply to stop the itching. It is to control inflammation, protect your skin barrier, reduce future flares, and improve your quality of life.
If you are experiencing persistent itching, recurring rashes, cracked or painful skin, or flares that interfere with your daily life, do not ignore the symptoms. A board-certified dermatologist can help identify what may be triggering your eczema and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your skin.
Dr. Hope Mitchell
Board-Certified Dermatologist with Over 25 Years of Experience
419.872.HOPE (4673)
Mitchellderm.com
815 Commerce Drive | Perrysburg
Healthy Skin Begins with HOPE!