Eczema

Understanding and Treating Eczema: A Chronic Skin Condition

Eczema is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, redness, and irritation, often appearing as an eczema rash on the skin. At Tru-Skin Dermatology, our experts specialize in personalized eczema treatment plans to help manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and restore healthy, comfortable skin. 

Whether you are dealing with mild irritation or more persistent eczema symptoms, our team provides compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that develops when the immune system becomes overly sensitive and the skin’s natural barrier is weakened, leading to inflammation, dryness, and irritation. It is non-contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.



Eczema can appear at any age but often begins in childhood, with many cases continuing into adulthood. Beyond its physical symptoms, eczema can impact daily life by causing discomfort, sleep disturbances, and emotional stress, making early diagnosis and effective management important.

If you’re struggling with persistent eczema symptoms that disrupt your daily comfort or don’t improve with over-the-counter remedies, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a dermatology provider. Eczema can vary in severity and may require professional care to prevent complications, reduce flare-ups, and restore skin health.

You should see a dermatologist if you experience:

• Frequent or worsening flare-ups that affect your sleep or quality of life
• Painful, cracked, or bleeding skin
• Signs of infection such as oozing, crusting, or increased redness
• Itching that interferes with your daily routine
• Uncertainty about whether your symptoms are eczema or another skin condition

At Tru-Skin Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists evaluate your skin, identify potential triggers, and provide targeted eczema treatment plans designed to reduce inflammation and improve your overall skin health. Early care can make a lasting difference—schedule your consultation today.

Eczema can appear in several different forms, each with its own set of symptoms, triggers, and treatment needs. Identifying the specific type of eczema is an essential first step in developing a personalized care plan. The dermatology experts at Tru-Skin Dermatology can help identify your type and design a treatment plan that fits your skin and lifestyle.

Atopic Dermatitis

The most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition often beginning in childhood. It causes dry, itchy, and inflamed patches that may appear on the face, neck, elbows, or knees. Flare-ups can be triggered by allergens, stress, or environmental changes.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to direct contact with an irritant or allergen—such as soaps, fragrances, or metals. This type typically causes redness, itching, and sometimes blistering in the affected area, clearing up once the trigger is removed.

Nummular Eczema

Nummular eczema appears as round, coin-shaped patches of irritated, scaly skin. It’s often caused by dry skin or skin injury and may worsen in colder months or after exposure to harsh soaps or detergents.

Stasis Dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis develops due to poor circulation in the lower legs, often in individuals with varicose veins or swelling. It causes redness, swelling, and scaling, and may lead to skin discoloration over time if not treated.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

This type primarily affects oily areas of the body, including the scalp, face, and chest. It causes redness, flaking, and dandruff-like scaling, and can worsen with stress or cold weather.

Eczema and psoriasis are both chronic skin conditions that cause redness and irritation, but they differ in appearance and cause. Eczema leads to dry, itchy, and sometimes oozing patches due to a weakened skin barrier, while psoriasis produces thick, raised plaques with silvery scales caused by accelerated skin cell growth.

Triggers and treatments also vary: eczema flare-ups are often linked to allergens, stress, or irritants, whereas psoriasis is more closely tied to immune system activity and genetics. Proper diagnosis from a Tru-Skin dermatologist ensures you receive the most effective, personalized treatment plan for your condition.

At Tru-Skin Dermatology, our providers take a personalized approach to eczema treatment, tailoring care to the type and severity of your condition. By addressing both symptoms and underlying causes, we help restore your skin’s health and reduce flare-ups for long-term relief.

Treatment options may include:

• Topical Treatments: Corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and intensive moisturizers to calm inflammation and repair the skin barrier.
  
• Phototherapy: Controlled UV light therapy to treat chronic or treatment-resistant eczema. 
  
• Systemic Treatments: Oral medications or biologic injections for severe or widespread eczema.
  
• Lifestyle and Home Care: Stress management, gentle skincare routines, avoiding triggers, and maintaining consistent hydration.

Take control of your skin health with personalized eczema care at Tru-Skin Dermatology. Our expert dermatologists create customized treatment plans using advanced therapies, lifestyle guidance, and prescription-strength options to reduce flare-ups and restore healthy skin.

Book an appointment at a Tru-Skin Dermatology location near you: Austin, Bastrop, Bulverde, Spring Branch, Cedar Park, Hallettsville, La Grange, or Round Rock.