Living with eczema can be frustrating and uncomfortable, with persistent itching, dryness, and inflammation that can interfere with sleep and daily life. When over-the-counter treatments aren’t enough, a more individualized approach may be needed. Our specialists evaluate the factors that may be contributing to your eczema and develop a personalized treatment plan to control symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and improve the health of your skin.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, irritated, and sometimes inflamed skin. It results from a combination of an overactive immune response and problems with the skin’s natural protective barrier, which makes the skin more sensitive to irritation and inflammation.
Eczema often runs in families and is more common in people with a personal or family history of allergies or asthma. Symptoms can be worsened by a variety of factors, including dry skin, heat, sweating, irritating skin products, and environmental or food allergens. Because the factors contributing to eczema vary from person to person, a careful evaluation can help determine whether allergies or other triggers may be playing a role and guide an individualized treatment plan.
Eczema can be triggered by a variety of factors, and these can differ significantly from one person to another. Identifying relevant triggers—such as irritating skin products and, when appropriate, food, environmental, or contact allergens—can help reduce flare-ups and improve symptom control. We work with each patient to determine which triggers are actually relevant so that unnecessary or overly restrictive avoidance measures can be avoided.
Good skin care is an essential part of eczema treatment. Regular use of the right moisturizers can help restore and protect the skin barrier, reduce dryness and itching, and make the skin less vulnerable to irritation. We help patients choose appropriate skin-care products and develop a practical daily routine that complements their medical treatment.
Topical steroids remain one of the most effective treatments for controlling eczema inflammation and are available in a wide range of strengths. Choosing the right potency—and knowing where, how often, and how long to use it—is important, since prolonged or inappropriate use can cause side effects. We help our patients use these medications safely and effectively, with a treatment plan tailored to the severity and location of their eczema.
Non-steroid creams and ointments are prescription treatments that reduce the inflammation and immune activity that contribute to eczema without the use of topical steroids. Several different types are now available, including medications that target specific immune pathways involved in itching and inflammation. Our specialists have extensive experience with these treatments and will help you determine which option is most appropriate based on the location and severity of your eczema, your symptoms, and your individual needs.
Biologics are advanced medications that target specific pathways in the immune system responsible for the inflammation that causes eczema. For patients with moderate to severe eczema, these treatments can significantly reduce itching, inflammation, and flare-ups when other treatments have not provided adequate relief. Our specialists have extensive experience prescribing biologic therapies and will help you determine which treatment is most appropriate for your individual needs.
During your initial visit, you will meet with a specialist to discuss your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and how eczema affects your daily life. We will also review factors that appear to trigger or worsen your symptoms.
We perform a careful skin examination to evaluate the severity and distribution of your eczema and look for findings that may suggest allergic contact dermatitis, infection, or another skin condition.
When appropriate, allergy testing may be recommended to determine whether environmental, food, or contact allergens could be contributing to your eczema. We select testing based on your history and symptoms rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Based on the evaluation, we will discuss a treatment plan tailored to your eczema. This may include skin-care and moisturizer recommendations, trigger management, topical medications, and, when appropriate, advanced treatments such as biologic therapy.
We provide practical guidance on daily skin care, avoidance of relevant triggers, and the proper use of prescribed treatments. Follow-up allows us to assess your response, address questions, and adjust treatment as your needs change.
Consider an evaluation if eczema is persistent, frequently returns, interferes with sleep or daily activities, or is not adequately controlled with over-the-counter treatments and moisturizers. An evaluation can also be helpful if you are concerned that environmental, food, or contact allergens may be contributing to your symptoms; if you are unsure how to use topical steroids safely; or if you want to know whether newer non-steroid or biologic treatments may be appropriate for you.
The cost of eczema care varies depending on the type and severity of eczema, whether testing is appropriate, and which treatments or medications are recommended. Insurance coverage can also vary, particularly for newer prescription and biologic therapies. Our team can discuss the recommended approach with you and help you understand the next steps in your care.
Our specialists have extensive experience evaluating and treating eczema and understand that the factors contributing to symptoms can differ from one patient to another. We combine careful evaluation of possible triggers with expertise in skin care, topical medications, allergy evaluation when appropriate, and newer biologic therapies. Our goal is to help each patient understand the available options and choose a treatment plan that provides effective, practical, and safe long-term control.
Eczema has many potential triggers, and allergy is only one possible contributor. Your history, the pattern of your symptoms, and a clinical evaluation can help determine whether environmental, food, or contact allergens should be investigated.
Not everyone with eczema needs the same testing. When your history or pattern of symptoms suggests a possible allergic trigger, targeted testing can help determine whether environmental, food, or contact allergens are relevant and may change your treatment plan.
Increasing pain, warmth, swelling, oozing, crusting, rapidly worsening redness, or fever can be signs of infection and should prompt medical evaluation.
Yes. Biologic medications may be appropriate for patients with moderate to severe eczema that is not adequately controlled with topical treatments or other measures. We can evaluate whether a biologic is appropriate and help select the treatment that best fits your individual needs.
Food allergy can contribute to eczema in certain patients, particularly when the history suggests a relationship between a food and symptoms. We can determine whether food allergy evaluation is appropriate and help avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions.
Consistent skin care is one of the foundations of eczema treatment. Gentle cleansing, regular use of appropriate moisturizers, and avoiding products that irritate your skin can help protect the skin barrier and reduce flare-ups.
Insect Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Skin allergies
Other CommonAllergies
Nose & Sinus Allergies
Lifestyle Changes
First and foremost let me start by saying that these people did one hell of a job figuring out my sinus problems. When I first arrived there, I explained what was going on with me having excessive inflammation in the sinus…after they tested me, I found out that I was being exposed to dust mites which gave me a strong reaction. I followed the doctors guides lines in terms of cleaning my room and ever since, my sinus inflammation went away for good and now I have a healthy sinus. Thank you for everything.
My 10 year old son also has allergies and asthma and the staff makes sure that he feels well taken care of and comfortable, despite his having Autism and ADHD. He actually looks forward to going there with me, whether it be for my allergy shots or even when he needed allergy skin testing. When you’re a patient at the Allergy and Asthma clinic, you are treated as if you are the only patient they have, even when the waiting room is full. Dr. Engler has hired truly excellent staff, from the front desk people to the nurses and medical assistants. If you have allergies and/or asthma and you live on the Peninsula or even in the city, I highly recommend that you visit the Allergy and Asthma Clinic. They are truly amazing and will make you feel so much better.
