Do Dermatologists Treat Eczema? Expert Advice on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care

Do you have eczema or atopic dermatitis and need help? A dermatologist is the best person to turn to for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Dermatologists have a lot of experience in treating eczema and can provide relief from symptoms such as itching and pain. With the right treatment plan, it is possible to manage eczema and reduce breakouts that lead to rashes. Atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, is a skin condition that causes dryness, redness, itching, and flaking of the skin.

It can be hard to know for sure if you have eczema, so it's important to see a dermatologist or other doctor for diagnosis. The exact treatment plan that is best for you will depend on your medical history, the type of eczema, and your personal preferences. Your dermatologist may recommend lifestyle changes, over-the-counter moisturizers, medications, light therapy, or a combination of these treatments. In some cases, phototherapy may be recommended.

This is a treatment in which the skin is exposed to certain wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light. Your doctor may also consider other medicines such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, or methotrexate if other treatments don't help. It's important to partner with a board-certified dermatologist to manage AD. With control, it is possible to relieve extremely dry skin, relieve itching and reduce breakouts that lead to rashes.

Your doctor may also provide recommendations for skin and home care products that are suitable for eczema, prescription or over-the-counter treatments for severe eczema and atopic dermatitis, and tips for avoiding triggers. In some cases, the condition disappears in adulthood without proper treatment. However, it's important to take steps to manage the condition in order to reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups. NYU Langone dermatologists have the expertise to diagnose eczema and dermatitis during a physical exam.

To help care for your skin during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends these tips from board-certified dermatologists:

• Keep your skin hydrated by using a moisturizer after bathing.
• Avoid harsh soaps and detergents.
• Avoid scratching or rubbing your skin.
• Avoid extreme temperatures.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.

If treatment seems ineffective or is painful for your child, contact your dermatologist immediately. You should only use them for a short time if other treatments don't work, and you should never use them on children younger than 2 years old according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). By causing deep, painful lumps under the skin usually in the armpits or groin this disease often worsens without proper treatment. After a dermatologist makes a diagnosis of eczema or dermatitis he creates an individualized treatment plan based on the severity of the symptoms the location of the rash and the age of the person being treated. There is no treatment that can cure eczema but with proper lifestyle changes and medical treatment it is possible to keep symptoms under control.

If the findings and symptoms suggest that the cause is an allergen the dermatologist may perform a non-invasive allergy test. Because a dermatologist specializes in skin conditions they can provide specific help for eczema with diagnosis treatment and follow-up care. Some dermatologists may have atopic dermatitis clinics but all dermatologists are qualified to treat eczema. Dermatologists spend a lot of time treating eczema so they develop a lot of experience in this area. If you have any problems they are a great resource.