Eczema is a broad term used to describe a range of skin conditions characterized by rashes, itchiness, and redness.

It’s estimated that over 31 million people in the U.S. alone have some form of eczema. Episodes of eczema may be chronic, one-time issues, or continual.

Whatever kind of eczema you are experiencing, you can rely on our professional team of clinicians to help with diagnosis and treatment.

Visible redness or irritated patches on the skin may look concerning, but eczema is not contagious. Although there is no known cure for eczema, you will find effective treatments and symptom relief at our easy-to-reach clinic.

What are the Symptoms of Eczema?

If you have eczema, various parts of your body can develop rashes and dry, itchy skin. Usually, this occurs behind your knees, inside your elbows, and on your hands, feet, and face. However, remember that eczema is not contagious.

The most common symptom of eczema is itching, which in turn leads to scratching and rubbing the skin, increasing the irritation. Other symptoms include:

• Skin patches that are rough and leathery
• Red and raised bumps on the skin known as hives
• Scaly skin patches
• Skin that is swollen and sore
• Skin color changes.

Types of Eczema

There are many different types of eczema, diagnosed both by symptoms and where it occurs on the body, including:

• Atopic Dermatitis. The most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis usually starts during childhood and may disappear or become much milder by adulthood. Linked to allergies, many people with this condition also suffer from hay fever and asthma.
• Contact Dermatitis. Resulting in red, irritated skin, contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact with a substance to which it is allergic, such as latex, certain types of metal, or chemicals. Certain skincare ingredients and makeup, plants such as poison ivy and poison oak, or even tobacco smoke can sometimes trigger contact dermatitis.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema. More common in women than men, dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters forming on fingers, palms, toes, and soles of your feet. Stress is thought to be a primary trigger for outbreaks.
• Hand Eczema. Only affecting the hands, this form of eczema is common among hairdressers, cleaning personnel, and others whose hands are regularly exposed to various chemicals.
• Neurodermatitis. Very similar to atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis presents as thick, scaly patches of skin that are very itchy, even when you are sleeping.
• Nummular Eczema. Causing round, coin-shaped spots on your skin, nummular eczema is known for making the skin extremely itchy, and is often triggered by insect bites.
• Stasis Dermatitis. Somewhat uncommon, stasis dermatitis occurs when fluid leaks out of weakened leg veins onto the skin, causing itching and redness.

What Causes Eczema?

When skin cannot retain moisture very well or has a disrupted barrier that lets moisture from the skin evaporate too freely, eczema often occurs.

Some of the most common causes of eczema include:

• Environmental factors such as pollen or mold
• Allergies such as hay fever
• Asthma
• Soaps, detergents, and shampoos
• Synthetic or wool fabrics
• Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections
• Pet dander
• Chemicals and solvents

Treatment for Eczema

At our contemporary dermatology clinic, we offer insights into diverse eczema treatments. Schedule your appointment today for personalized information and care.

Actinic keratosis is a skin condition characterized by one or more rough, scaly patches as a result of cumulative sun exposure.

Actinic keratosis can occur on any part of the body, but it most often occurs in out-of-the-way areas where a person has omitted using sunblock. This includes the ears, lips, back of the neck, or hands, or even the scalp.

Actinic keratosis is sometimes called solar keratosis because it is caused by sun exposure. Those over the age of 40 are more apt to develop this condition since it occurs from the cumulative effects of UV light exposure.

Screening and treatment for actinic keratosis is available at Dermatology Consultants of Frisco, located in Frisco, Texas.

What are the Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis?

Though actinic keratosis can differ from one person to another, the signs and symptoms remain the same across the board. Typically, the most common signs and symptoms include a patch of skin that is dry, rough, or scaly. Most often, this patch of skin is less than one inch in diameter.

Other symptoms include color variations such as brown, red, or pink, itching or burning, crusting or bleeding, a slightly-raised bump on the top layer of skin, and new patches on such sun-exposed areas as hands, neck, head, and forearms.

Types of Actinic Keratosis

There are five different types of actinic keratosis:

• Hypertrophic
• Atrophic
• Bowenoid
• Acantholytic
• Pigmented

Of these five, the hypertrophic and atrophic types are the most common.

Also, studies have shown that for those individuals who suffer from hypertrophic actinic keratosis, there is a greater chance it may evolve into a form of cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma.

What Causes Actinic Keratosis?

When an actinic keratosis forms, it is most often due to a person being exposed to intense UV rays on a frequent basis.

While most cases result from overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, many people with this condition have also exposed their skin to the intensity of tanning beds.

While anyone can potentially get actinic keratosis, some have certain risk factors that put them at even greater risk.

These factors include:

• Having red or blond hair and either blue or light-colored eyes
• Prior history of bad sunburns
• Tendency to freckle or burn when exposed to sunlight
• Aged 40 or older
• Working primarily outdoors
• Possessing a weakened immune system
• Living in a sunny climate

Treatment for Actinic Keratosis

While a simple examination of your skin may allow a doctor to diagnose actinic keratosis, a skin biopsy may be performed as an added precaution.

Don’t gamble with actinic keratosis, a potential precursor to skin cancer. Entrust your care to our esteemed dermatologists, screening and treating keratosis and other skin conditions. Schedule an appointment today.

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Breakouts are a common, benign skin condition characterized by localized eruptions such as pustules, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Although most frequent in teens, adults may also experience episodes of this skin concern.

The most difficult aspect is often the appearance. Since it typically occurs on the face, these blemishes can cause extreme embarrassment and lead to a lack of self-confidence.

Fortunately, this condition is highly treatable by your dermatologist. With our premier private dermatology practice, expert care is just a short drive away.

Here at Dermatology Consultants of Frisco in Frisco, Texas, we specialize in helping patients achieve clearer skin.

What are the Symptoms of Acne?

Since there are many types of acne, symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity.

Generally, the most common symptoms of acne include:

• Whiteheads. These are pores that are both closed and plugged.
• Blackheads. These happen in pores that are plugged, yet still open.
• Papules. These are small bumps that are red and tender to the touch.
• Pimples. Commonly known as pustules. These are papules, but they have pus at their tips.
• Nodules. These are painful lumps under the skin that are solid and typically large.
• Cystic lesions. These are defined as pus-filled lumps under the skin that are quite painful.

Types of Acne

The two most common forms of acne are:

• Noninflammatory
• Inflammatory

Within these categories are subcategories. For example, noninflammatory acne is characterized by blackheads and whiteheads, both of which rarely cause swelling and usually respond to over-the-counter medications.

As for inflammatory acne, this includes papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. This type of acne is more difficult to treat since it involves infections that are deeper underneath the skin.

What Causes Acne?

When acne appears, it is due to four main factors that may work in combination with one another. These include:

• Hair follicles clogged by dead skin cells and oil
• Excess production of oil
• Inflammation
• Bacteria

Along with these factors, other things can trigger an acne attack or worsen existing acne. Among these are:

• Hormonal changes
• Medications
• Stress
• Diet

When hormonal changes occur during puberty or midlife, androgen production increases and can trigger or worsen acne. Also, medications containing testosterone or corticosteroids can make acne worse.

Treatment for Acne

You may have spent a lot of time trying various treatments to get rid of your acne. However, the best treatment for all types of acne is dermatologic treatment.

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Psoriasis is a treatable skin condition that causes dry, scaly, and itchy patches on the surface of the skin.

Psoriasis varies in intensity from individual to individual and from episode to episode. It’s possible to have long intervals of time in between flare-ups.

Treatment for psoriasis is largely centered around the management of symptoms because there is no known cure for this condition. Psoriasis may be experienced along with other conditions associated with immune disorders.

Our compassionate team will work with you to create a management and treatment plan for your psoriasis.

What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?

Primary symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Red patches of skin
• Dry patches on skin
• Scaly areas of skin
• Itching
• Pain
• Burning sensation
• Silvery discoloration on skin

Note that some symptoms can arise out of psoriasis that are not directly connected with the skin. These include:

• Achy, swollen, and/or stiff joints
• Thickened finger or toenails
• Pitted or ridged finger or toenails

Types of Psoriasis

There are many kinds of psoriasis, depending on where it is located on the body, how it presents, and its seriousness.

They are:

• Plaque psoriasis. Silverish, or white-ish patches over red, inflamed areas of the skin. This is the most common type of psoriasis.
• Pustular psoriasis. Presents as pus-filled white blisters and wide swaths of red, swollen skin in localized areas.
• Inverse psoriasis. Shows as bright pink, shiny patches of skin, usually in warm, moist areas like the groin, under the breasts or armpits.
• Guttate psoriasis. Presents as tiny, flat, pink spots alone or in clusters.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis. This type can be life-threatening. It generally covers large areas of the body and may appear very much like a sunburn. Often accompanied by a fever and a feeling of illness.

Certain types of psoriasis are very benign and go away on their own, while other types can be life-threatening. This is why it’s so important to always have your psoriasis diagnosed and analyzed by your dermatologist.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The symptoms of psoriasis may come and go “mysteriously.” However, with attention and focus, certain life events or behaviors may be found to “trigger” psoriasis episodes.

Common triggers for psoriasis episodes include:

• Overindulgence in sugary foods and alcohol
• Increased stress
• Traumatic events
• Other illnesses, such as flu or cold

It is thought that psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, which is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking itself. It is believed that the immune system overreacts to stimuli, resulting in the visible skin outbreaks mentioned above.

Certain people are more likely to develop psoriasis, especially those with:

• Family history of psoriasis
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
• Chronic depression
• Chronic anxiety
• Psoriatic arthritis

Treatment Options For Psoriasis

Your dermatologist will carefully diagnose and analyze your particular type of psoriasis in order to determine the best treatment for your situation. With proper dermatologic treatment, you could soon enjoy fewer or less severe outbreaks of psoriasis.