Eczema Treatment Services

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, redness, dryness, and recurring rashes. It affects millions of children and adults and can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, hands, arms, legs, neck, and behind the knees. Eczema symptoms range from mild irritation to painful flare-ups, and professional dermatology care can help manage discomfort while supporting long-term skin health.

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, our dermatologists and dermatology providers offer comprehensive eczema treatment plans tailored to the individual. By identifying triggers, addressing inflammation, and strengthening the skin barrier, we help patients manage eczema more effectively and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a condition in which the skin’s natural protective barrier does not function properly. When the barrier is compromised, moisture escapes more easily and the skin becomes vulnerable to irritants, allergens, and bacteria. This leads to inflammation, itching, and visible skin changes.

Eczema is not an infection and is not contagious. It often develops in childhood but can persist into adulthood or appear for the first time later in life. Symptoms tend to wax and wane over time, with periods of improvement followed by flare-ups triggered by environmental or internal factors.

Eczema Symptoms

Eczema symptoms can vary depending on the type of eczema, age, skin tone, and severity of inflammation. Common symptoms include:

• Dry, rough, or flaky skin
• Red or inflamed patches that may appear darker or purplish in deeper skin tones
• Persistent itching that may worsen at night
• Thickened or leathery skin with repeated scratching
• Cracked skin that may bleed or ooze during severe flares

In children, eczema often appears on the cheeks, scalp, and outer arms or legs. In adults, it is more commonly seen on the hands, eyelids, neck, wrists, ankles, and behind the knees.

Without eczema treatment, itching and scratching can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of skin infections, which is why early diagnosis and consistent care are important.

Types of Eczema

There are several types of eczema, and identifying the correct type helps guide treatment decisions.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. It often begins in childhood, is frequently associated with allergies or asthma, and may flare periodically into adulthood.

• Contact Dermatitis: Occurs when the skin reacts to an irritant or allergen such as soaps, fragrances, metals, or chemicals. Avoiding the trigger is a key part of treatment.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema: Characterized by small, itchy blisters on the hands or feet. Flare-ups may be triggered by stress, sweating, or moisture exposure.
• Nummular Eczema: Appears as round or coin-shaped patches of irritated skin, often on the arms or legs.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis: Affects oily areas of the body such as the scalp, eyebrows, ears, and sides of the nose, causing redness and flaky scales.

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema develops due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with a family history of eczema, asthma, or allergic conditions are more likely to develop it. While genetics influence skin barrier function, flare-ups are often triggered by external factors.

Common eczema triggers include dry or cold weather, harsh soaps or detergents, fragrances and preservatives, allergens such as pollen or pet dander, sweating or overheating, and emotional stress. Stress does not cause eczema, but it can worsen inflammation and itching during flare-ups.

Because triggers vary from person to person, identifying individual patterns is an important part of long-term eczema management.

Eczema Treatment Options

Eczema treatment focuses on calming inflammation, relieving itching, repairing the skin barrier, and preventing future flares. Treatment plans are customized based on eczema type, severity, affected areas, and patient age.

Topical Medications

Prescription topical treatments are commonly used to control eczema flare-ups. These may include corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications that reduce redness, swelling, and itching when applied directly to affected areas.

Moisturizers and Barrier Repair

Daily use of thick, fragrance-free moisturizers is essential for eczema care. These products help restore the skin barrier, reduce dryness, and prevent irritation that can trigger flare-ups. Moisturizing is a foundational part of both treatment and maintenance.

Oral Medications

For moderate to severe eczema, oral medications may be prescribed to help control inflammation or immune system activity when topical treatments alone are not sufficient.

Injectable and Biologic Therapies

Biologic therapies target specific immune pathways involved in eczema. These treatments are often recommended for patients with severe or persistent eczema that does not respond to standard therapies.

Phototherapy (Light Therapy)

Phototherapy uses controlled ultraviolet light to reduce inflammation and itching. It may be recommended for chronic or widespread eczema under medical supervision.

Long-Term Eczema Management

Eczema is often a long-term condition, but consistent care can greatly improve symptom control. Daily skin care routines, trigger avoidance, and adherence to prescribed treatments all play a key role in managing eczema effectively.

Patients are encouraged to use gentle cleansers, moisturize immediately after bathing, avoid known irritants, and follow dermatologist-recommended skin care practices. Regular follow-up visits allow dermatologists and dermatology providers to adjust treatment plans as symptoms change over time.

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Eczema Care at Schweiger Dermatology Group

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, our dermatologists and dermatology providers take a comprehensive approach to eczema care. We focus on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term strategies that support healthier skin and fewer flare-ups for both children and adults.

To find a location near you, check out our location pages. We look forward to working together to find the best treatment for your skin. To schedule an appointment, book online or call 844-DERM-DOC.

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