Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Care in Grand Rapids, MI

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common, chronic skin condition in West Michigan, affecting both children and adults throughout Grand Rapids. With our cold, dry winters, frequent indoor heating, and fluctuating humidity near Lake Michigan, many residents notice that their eczema symptoms worsen seasonally.

This guide explains what eczema is, why it happens, and how people in Grand Rapids can manage it effectively with local care and resources.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is an inherited, chronic inflammatory skin condition. It causes:

  • Red, scaly, dry patches of skin
  • Intense itchiness
  • Sometimes tiny blisters that may weep clear fluid
  • Crusting and thickening of the skin over time

When the skin weeps or becomes more painful, it may be a sign of infection, often due to the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”).

Eczema Is Not Contagious

You cannot “catch” eczema from someone else, and you cannot give it to other people through touch, shared towels, or close contact.

Eczema symptoms can:

  • Flare up (worsen) suddenly
  • Calm down or almost disappear for periods
  • Vary in severity from day to day

If your eczema is getting worse, disrupting your sleep or daily life, or appears infected, schedule an appointment with your Grand Rapids primary care provider, dermatologist, or an urgent care clinic through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

Why Eczema Happens: The Skin Barrier and Filaggrin

Eczema is strongly linked to a problem with the skin’s barrier function.

The Filaggrin Gene

Filaggrin is a protein that helps form and maintain a healthy skin barrier. Normally, each skin cell has two copies of the filaggrin gene.

  • People prone to eczema often have only one working copy of this gene.
  • One copy is enough to form a normal barrier, but two copies are important for repairing damage.

When someone with only one copy of the filaggrin gene is exposed to irritants (like harsh soaps, hot water, detergents, or cold dry air in a Michigan winter), their skin barrier may not repair itself well.

Once the barrier is damaged:

  • Moisture escapes → skin becomes dry, rough, and scaly
  • Environmental allergens and irritants can enter → the immune system reacts → skin becomes red, inflamed, and itchy

You are more likely to develop eczema if you or close family members have:

  • Eczema
  • Asthma
  • Hay fever (seasonal allergies)

Common Triggers in Grand Rapids and West Michigan

While eczema is not usually caused by diet, many people find that everyday environmental factors in West Michigan can trigger flare‑ups.

Weather and Home Environment

Common local triggers include:

  • Cold, dry winters in Grand Rapids
  • Indoor heating that dries out the air (forced air, ducted heating)
  • Hot showers after being out in the cold
  • Overheating in bed at night with heavy blankets or electric blankets
  • Abrupt temperature changes, such as going from a heated building into freezing outdoor air and back again
  • Air conditioning in summer, which can dry the air and irritate the skin

Everyday Irritants

  • Frequent showering or bathing
  • Regular soap and many body washes
  • Detergents and cleaning chemicals
  • Synthetic fabrics like polyester or acrylic
  • Scratchy materials such as wool
  • Perfumed skin products, bubble baths, and fragranced shampoos

Exercise and Sweating

Hard physical activity, especially in hot weather or in heated indoor gyms, can lead to sweating that worsens itching and irritation.

If you exercise outdoors in Grand Rapids:

  • In summer, try mornings or evenings when the sun is lower.
  • In winter, dress in layers and remove extra layers once you warm up indoors.

Is Eczema Caused by Food?

In most people, eczema is not caused or significantly worsened by diet.

Food allergy as a direct cause of eczema is rare. When food allergy is present, it usually appears as:

  • Redness and swelling around the lips or face
  • Hives or other symptoms within minutes of eating a particular food

If you notice your eczema consistently worsens after certain foods:

  • Do not self-diagnose or cut out major food groups (like dairy) on your own.
  • Ask your Grand Rapids doctor for a referral to an allergist or dietitian for proper testing and guidance.

Unnecessary food restrictions can lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially in children.

Eczema and Infections

Skin affected by eczema is more vulnerable to infections, including:

  • Impetigo – often caused by Staphylococcus aureus
  • Cold sores – caused by herpes simplex virus
  • Warts – caused by certain viruses

Signs of infection include:

  • More redness, warmth, or swelling
  • Yellow crusts or pus
  • Blisters that pop, weep, and form crusts
  • Sudden worsening of pain or itch

If you suspect infection, see your Grand Rapids healthcare provider promptly. Treatment may include:

  • Antiseptic creams or washes
  • Antibiotic creams or tablets (for bacterial infection)
  • Antiviral medicines for cold sores

Daily Skin Care: Moisturizers and Cortisone Ointments

Moisturizers (Emollients)

Moisturizers are the foundation of eczema care. They help restore and protect the skin barrier.

Tips for using moisturizers:

  • Apply daily to clean, dry skin.
  • Use thick creams or ointments, not thin lotions.
  • Moisturize immediately after bathing or showering (within a few minutes) to lock in moisture.
  • Reapply during the day if your skin feels dry, especially in winter or in heated or air-conditioned buildings.

You may need to try several brands before finding one that works best. Ask your Grand Rapids pharmacist, primary care doctor, or dermatologist for recommendations.

Cortisone (Topical Steroid) Creams and Ointments

Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation and itching during flare‑ups.

  • They come in different strengths, available by prescription from your doctor.
  • Use the lowest strength that controls your symptoms.
  • Apply to red, inflamed areas once or twice daily, usually after bathing (when skin is dry).
  • Avoid using strong steroids for long periods on delicate areas like the face, groin, or skin folds unless directed by a dermatologist.

In severe cases, a short course of oral corticosteroids may be prescribed under close medical supervision by a Grand Rapids specialist. Symptoms can rebound when tablets are stopped, so these are reserved for difficult cases.

Bathing and Washing Tips for Sensitive Skin

Because Grand Rapids tap water can be hard in some neighborhoods and winters are very dry, gentle bathing habits are especially important.

How to Bathe or Shower

  • Take lukewarm baths or showers – avoid very hot water.
  • Limit bath or shower time to around 10 minutes.
  • Do not use ordinary soap; it can strip natural oils and worsen eczema.

What to Use Instead of Soap

  • Use soap-free cleansers or gentle, fragrance-free products.
  • For armpits and groin, use soap-free products such as sorbolene cream or other non-soap cleansers recommended by your pharmacist or dermatologist.

After Bathing

  • Pat your skin dry with a soft towel – do not rub.
  • Apply a thick moisturizer immediately after drying.

If your home water is very hard (high in minerals), you may wish to discuss water-softening options with a local plumber or home services provider.

Reducing Skin Irritation at Home and Work

Clothing and Bedding

  • Wear soft, smooth fabrics next to your skin – 100% cotton is often best.
  • Avoid scratchy materials like pure wool, polyester, or acrylic.
  • Some people tolerate cotton–synthetic blends, but test carefully.
  • Remove clothing labels if they irritate your skin.

To avoid overheating:

  • Wear several light layers instead of one heavy layer.
  • Don’t pile on too many blankets.
  • Avoid heavy doonas/comforters if they make you too warm at night.

Detergents and Chemicals

  • Always wear protective gloves when using cleaning products or detergents.
  • You may want to wear cotton gloves under rubber or PVC gloves to reduce irritation.
  • Choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic laundry detergents when possible.

Swimming and Pools

  • Chlorinated pools can aggravate eczema for some people.
  • If you swim in a chlorinated pool in Grand Rapids:
    • Rinse off after swimming.
    • Apply moisturizer generously as soon as you get out.

Some people find that seawater helps their eczema, but this is less accessible locally; discuss with your dermatologist if you plan trips to Lake Michigan beaches in warmer months and how to safely combine sun and water exposure.

Beauty Products and Cosmetics

People with eczema often have very sensitive skin.

Tips for using beauty products:

  • Keep your face free of makeup whenever possible, especially during flare‑ups.
  • Avoid:
    • Perfumes
    • Fragranced lotions
    • Strongly scented shampoos
    • Bubble baths and “medicated” bath products with fragrance
  • Choose products labeled fragrance-free (not just “unscented”).

When trying a new product:

  1. Test it on a small area of skin (like your inner forearm).
  2. Wait 24–48 hours.
  3. If you notice redness, burning, or itching, do not use it.

Even “hypoallergenic” products can sometimes irritate eczema-prone skin.

Allergies and Eczema

In some people, eczema may be aggravated by environmental allergens such as:

  • House-dust mites
  • Moulds (more common in damp basements or older homes)
  • Grass and tree pollens (common in West Michigan spring and summer)
  • Pet dander

If your eczema remains difficult to control, your doctor may recommend allergy testing, such as skin prick tests, with an allergist in the Grand Rapids area.

Managing Temperature and Humidity in Grand Rapids

Sudden temperature and humidity changes can irritate eczema-prone skin.

In Winter

  • Don’t overheat your home – keep the thermostat at a comfortable, moderate level.
  • Use a humidifier if indoor air feels very dry (clean it regularly to prevent mould).
  • Dress warmly when going outdoors, then remove extra layers soon after you return indoors.

In Summer

  • Avoid overcooling your home with air conditioning, as very dry air can worsen eczema.
  • Stay hydrated and use moisturizers more often if you feel your skin drying out.
  • Avoid hard physical activity in the hottest part of the day; choose early morning or evening.

Advanced Treatments for Moderate to Severe Eczema

When moisturizers and topical medications are not enough, dermatologists in Grand Rapids (for example, at Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids dermatology clinics) may recommend additional treatments.

Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Creams

  • Pimecrolimus cream is a non-steroid cream that can reduce inflammation.
  • It is often used at the first sign of a flare and can be helpful on delicate areas like the face.

Coal Tar Preparations

  • Coal tar can reduce itching and inflammation.
  • It has a strong smell, can stain fabrics, and may irritate some people.
  • Only use coal tar products under the guidance of a doctor experienced in eczema care.

Phototherapy (Ultraviolet Light Therapy)

  • Controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can help chronic, stubborn eczema.
  • Treatments are done in a medical setting (special cabinets with UV lamps).
  • A typical course may involve 2–3 sessions per week for several weeks.

Risks of UV therapy are similar to sun exposure:

  • Faster skin aging
  • Increased risk of skin cancer

This treatment must be supervised by a dermatologist.

Oral Medications and Biologic Therapies

For severe eczema that does not respond to other treatments, options may include:

  • Oral corticosteroids (short-term use only, due to side effects such as high blood pressure, infection risk, and mood changes)
  • Biologic therapies, such as:
    • Dupilumab – an injectable biologic given every two weeks
    • Other biologics under study, like tralokinumab and lebrikizumab
  • Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, such as:
    • Upadacitinib – a tablet taken once daily
    • Other agents under investigation include baricitinib and abrocitinib

These treatments require close monitoring by a dermatologist or specialist familiar with systemic eczema therapies. Many of these services are available through major health systems in Grand Rapids.

Eczema in Children and Long-Term Health

Children with eczema in Grand Rapids, like elsewhere, have a higher risk of developing:

  • Food allergies
  • Asthma
  • Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

There is growing evidence that allergens entering the body through damaged skin can contribute to these conditions later. Aggressively treating eczema in childhood and restoring the skin barrier may help reduce these risks.

An intact skin surface is also your best defense against skin infections.

General Tips for Coping With Eczema

  • Keep fingernails short to reduce skin damage from scratching.
  • Use cool compresses on very itchy areas instead of scratching.
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing, especially during flares.
  • Create a daily skin-care routine and stick to it, even when your skin looks better.
  • Work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized eczema action plan.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider if:

  • Your eczema is getting worse or spreading
  • It interferes with sleep, work, or school
  • You see signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, pus, or crusting)
  • Over-the-counter treatments are not helping
  • You are considering major diet changes due to eczema

Local options include:

  • Your primary care provider or family doctor
  • A dermatologist (ask for a referral if needed)
  • Urgent care clinics through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health for acute flares or suspected infection
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources for general health support and referrals

Key Points for Eczema Care in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Eczema is a chronic, inherited skin condition and is not contagious.
  • Symptoms can flare up or calm down from day to day.
  • Moisturizers (emollients) and cortisone-based (steroid) ointments are central to treatment.
  • It is essential to avoid skin irritants such as harsh soaps, hot water, and synthetic or scratchy fabrics.
  • Eczema is linked to a weakened skin barrier, often due to changes in the filaggrin gene.
  • Cold, dry Michigan winters, indoor heating, and sudden temperature changes in Grand Rapids can worsen symptoms.
  • Early, consistent treatment can improve quality of life and may reduce the risk of allergies, asthma, and hay fever later on.

If you or your child are struggling with eczema in Grand Rapids, talk with your local healthcare provider or dermatologist about creating a tailored treatment plan that fits our West Michigan climate and your daily life.