Eczema (Dermatitis) Care

Specialized Care for Eczema (Dermatitis)

If you have eczema, we know how important it is to find relief. Eczema symptoms can be painful and can cause changes in skin color. If eczema is affecting your confidence or quality of life, the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) team can help.

Eczema (dermatitis) is an allergic condition that causes skin inflammation. It occurs most often in people with sensitive skin. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It is a chronic condition that often appears in early childhood. It flares up from time to time. You may go years without having a flare up and then suddenly have an outbreak.

Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes into contact with something that causes an allergic reaction. It flares up quickly after contact with an allergen and may last a few weeks before it clears up. It is possible to have both atopic and contact dermatitis.

Symptoms & Causes of Eczema 

Eczema appears as dry, flaky skin over red, inflamed areas. It can cause an itchy rash and burning. Many substances have been identified as triggers in patients with eczema. Triggers are not the same for every person.  

For some, rough or coarse materials that touch the skin cause itchiness. For others, feeling too hot or sweating will cause an outbreak. Still others find that certain soaps, detergents, disinfectants, juices from fresh fruits and meats, dust mites, animal saliva or dander may trigger itching. Upper respiratory infections (caused by viruses) may also be triggers. Stress can sometimes aggravate an existing flare-up. 

Eczema Treatments 

If you have eczema, or if your symptoms are getting worse, contact your provider, an allergist or a dermatologist. An allergist can help you determine what you might be allergic to. A dermatologist can help diagnose and treat your eczema. You may benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to treating your symptoms. 

Eczema treatment can include the following: 

• Antibiotics for infections  
• Application of creams and ointments to keep the skin as moist as possible 
• Application of corticosteroid creams or ointments to reduce inflammation 
• Cyclosporine for severe cases  
• Light therapy
• Oral antihistamines for severe itching  
• Oral corticosteroids for severe flares 

Atopic Dermatitis Clinic 

At BIDMC's Atopic Dermatitis Specialty Clinic, we diagnose and treat patients with severe atopic dermatitis and related conditions. We offer systemic therapies and care from different types of specialists. We assess your history of eczema and allergy and review previous therapies and clinical response. We also discuss your and your family’s perspectives on disease burden and quality of life. 

We use shared decision-making to create a customized treatment plan. The plan is tailored to your disease severity and your goals for care. The clinic offers the latest in topicals, orals and biologic medications. As a Center of Excellence, we also perform clinical research and industry-sponsored clinical trials. Some trials may be relevant to your condition(s). If you are interested in any of our research studies, we would be happy to discuss this with you at your next visit.