If your skin is constantly dry, itchy, or inflamed — and nothing seems to calm it down for long — you may be dealing with eczema. It is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, and Calgary's dry climate can make it especially difficult to manage. At Arlo Medical, our approach to eczema relief in Calgary helps patients understand what is driving their symptoms and find treatments that restore comfort and confidence.
Eczema — most commonly atopic dermatitis — is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. It can appear anywhere on the body, but it most often affects the face, hands, inside of the elbows, and behind the knees.
Eczema is extremely common. It affects an estimated 10 to 20% of children and up to 10% of adults worldwide. While many people develop eczema in childhood, it can appear for the first time at any age — including adulthood.
The condition tends to come and go in cycles. You may experience periods of relative calm followed by flare-ups where symptoms intensify. For many people, eczema is more than a cosmetic concern — the persistent itch, visible irritation, and disrupted sleep can take a real toll on daily life and emotional well-being.
The good news is that eczema can be managed effectively. With the right combination of skincare, trigger avoidance, and professional treatment, most patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.
Eczema can look and feel different depending on your skin tone, age, and the severity of your condition. The most common signs include:
Intense itching. This is often the first and most bothersome symptom. Eczema is sometimes called "the itch that rashes" because scratching the itch is what often causes the visible rash to appear or worsen.
Dry, rough, or scaly patches. Affected areas of skin often feel rough and may flake or peel. The skin barrier in these areas is compromised, which makes it harder for skin to retain moisture.
Redness and inflammation. On lighter skin, eczema typically appears as red or pink patches. On darker skin tones, it may look brown, purple, or grayish — which can sometimes make it harder to recognize.
Swelling and thickening. Chronic scratching or rubbing can cause the skin to thicken over time — a process called lichenification. This is the body's way of protecting irritated skin, but it can make the area feel leathery.
Cracking and oozing. During more severe flare-ups, the skin may crack, bleed, or weep clear fluid. Open cracks also increase the risk of secondary skin infections.
Sleep disruption. The itch-scratch cycle is often worst at night, which can interfere with sleep quality and leave you feeling exhausted during the day.
One of the most important steps in managing eczema is identifying what causes your flare-ups. Triggers vary from person to person, but the most commonly reported include:
Dry air and low humidity. Calgary's cold, dry winters are one of the most challenging environments for eczema-prone skin. Indoor heating further reduces humidity, pulling moisture from the skin.
Irritating skincare products. Soaps, cleansers, shampoos, and lotions containing fragrance, alcohol, sulfates, or dyes can strip the skin barrier and trigger flare-ups. Switching to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products is often one of the most impactful changes you can make.
Allergens. Dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold are common environmental allergens that can aggravate eczema. For some people, certain foods — particularly dairy, eggs, nuts, and wheat — may also play a role.
Fabrics and clothing. Rough or synthetic fabrics like wool and polyester can irritate sensitive skin. Soft, breathable materials like cotton are generally better tolerated.
Stress. Emotional stress is a well-documented eczema trigger. Stress activates the body's inflammatory response, which can worsen existing symptoms or trigger new flare-ups.
Temperature extremes and sweat. Both overheating and sudden temperature changes can provoke itching and flushing. Sweating — especially in skin folds — can also irritate eczema-prone areas.
Frequent hand washing and water exposure. Excessive hand washing or prolonged water contact can strip natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and cracking — particularly on the hands.
Hormonal changes. Some patients notice that their eczema worsens around hormonal shifts, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or perimenopause.
Keeping a simple diary of your flare-ups — noting what you ate, wore, applied to your skin, or were stressed about — can help you and your clinician identify patterns over time.
If you are looking for eczema treatment in Calgary, Arlo Medical takes a personalized, whole-picture approach. Every patient's eczema is different, and what works best depends on your specific triggers, symptom severity, and skin type.
Your care starts with a free consultation, where we assess your skin, discuss your history, and build a treatment plan designed around your needs.
For patients dealing with chronic skin inflammation, compromised barrier function, and persistent irritation from eczema, NeoGen PSR offers a promising in-clinic treatment option.
NeoGen PSR uses medical-grade nitrogen plasma energy to stimulate deep tissue regeneration beneath the skin's surface — without breaking or removing the outer skin layer. Clinical research has specifically studied NeoGen PSR for atopic dermatitis, finding that it combines antimicrobial and tissue repair effects that may benefit patients with inflammatory skin conditions.
What makes NeoGen PSR relevant for eczema patients:
NeoGen PSR is not a replacement for your daily skincare routine or prescribed medications — but it can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive eczema management plan, particularly for patients who have not found sufficient relief from topical treatments alone.
Beyond in-clinic treatments, we work with patients to build a daily management strategy that may include:
We may also coordinate with your dermatologist or family doctor if prescription treatments such as topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or other medications are part of your care plan.
Your first visit is a conversation, not a commitment. During your free consultation at our Calgary clinic, we will:
There is no pressure and no obligation. Our goal is to help you understand your options so you can make a confident decision about your care.
Eczema is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with eczema have an overactive immune response that damages the skin barrier, leaving it dry and prone to irritation. A family history of eczema, allergies, or asthma increases your likelihood of developing it. Environmental triggers — such as dry air, allergens, irritating products, and stress — can then cause flare-ups.
No, eczema is not contagious. You cannot catch it from or spread it to another person through physical contact. It is an immune-mediated condition related to your skin barrier function and genetic predisposition, not an infection.
Our primary in-clinic treatment for eczema is NeoGen PSR, a plasma skin regeneration technology that stimulates deep tissue repair and strengthens the skin barrier without damaging the skin's surface. We also provide personalized skincare guidance, trigger identification support, and help patients develop a long-term daily management routine.
Common triggers include dry air and low humidity (especially during Calgary winters), fragranced skincare products, allergens like dust mites and pet dander, rough fabrics, emotional stress, temperature extremes, excessive hand washing, and for some people, certain foods. Triggers vary by individual, which is why identifying your personal patterns is an important part of effective management.
You should consider professional support if your eczema is interfering with sleep, daily activities, or emotional well-being — or if over-the-counter moisturizers and gentle skincare are not providing enough relief. You should also seek care if your skin shows signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or oozing. A consultation can help determine whether in-clinic treatments or prescription options may benefit you.
Schedule your appointment today.
