Eczema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Eczema?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, or an allergist, a doctor who treats allergies, often treats eczema. Eczema is a term for several different types of skin swelling. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a term for several different types of skin swelling. It is also called dermatitis. Most types cause dry, itchy skin and rashes. Scratching can make the skin red, swollen, and even itchier.
The most common type is atopic dermatitis. It is most common in babies and children, but adults can have it too. Eczema is not contagious. It may get better or worse over time, but it is often a long-lasting disease.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of atopic dermatitis is itching, which can be severe. Other common symptoms include:
- Red, dry patches of skin.
- Rashes that may ooze, weep clear fluid, or bleed when scratched.
- Thickening and hardening of the skin.
Scratching leads to further redness, swelling, cracking, crusting, and scaling. In most cases, there are periods when the disease is worse, called flares. Other periods, called remissions, are when the skin improves or clears up entirely.
People with darker skin tones often see darker or lighter skin where the skin is inflamed.
People with atopic dermatitis often have other conditions, such as asthma and allergies, including food allergies. Bacterial skin infections that can worsen from scratching are common. They may make the disease harder to control.
Causes and who gets it
The cause of eczema is unknown. It is likely caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Researchers know that genes, the immune system, and the environment play a role in atopic dermatitis.
Changes in the protective layer of the skin can make it lose moisture. The skin then becomes dry, which leads to damage and inflammation.
Factors in the environment that may play a part include:
- Exposure to tobacco smoke.
- Certain types of air pollutants.
- Fragrances and other compounds found in skin products and soaps.
Atopic dermatitis is common and usually begins in childhood, but anyone can get it at any age. The chance is higher if there is a family history of atopic dermatitis, hay fever, or asthma. People with eczema may also develop hay fever and asthma.
How doctors diagnose it
Diagnosing atopic dermatitis may include the following:
- Giving the doctor your medical history.
- Examining your skin and the rash.
- Blood tests to check for other causes of the rash.
Treatment
Treatment can help control symptoms. The goals of treatment include:
- Manage and control dry skin.
- Reduce skin inflammation, which is redness and swelling.
- Control itching.
- Prevent infections and flares.
Treatments usually include a combination of therapies. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Medicines your doctor may prescribe include:
- Moisturizing creams, which can help restore the skin barrier.
- Corticosteroid creams and ointments, which help decrease inflammation.
- Calcineurin inhibitors applied to the skin, which decrease inflammation and help prevent flares.
- Pills that reduce the abnormal immune response, which are for more severe disease and need close monitoring.
- A biologic medicine, given by an injection just under the skin, which blocks specific functions of the immune system.
Doctors do not usually prescribe oral corticosteroids for atopic dermatitis, because the disease can flare and be more severe after stopping them.
Applying moisturizer right after bathing holds the water in your skin. Protect your skin from irritants and rough clothing, such as wool.
If the disease is severe, widespread, and has not responded to creams and ointments, your doctor may recommend ultraviolet light treatment. If skin infections develop, your doctor may recommend extra antibiotic treatments.
Anyone with atopic dermatitis should not receive a smallpox vaccine.
When to see a doctor
Ask for an urgent appointment with your doctor right away if your eczema is blistered, crusty, leaking fluid, or has spots filled with pus. Do the same if it is painful, swollen, or warm, gets worse suddenly, or comes with a high temperature. These can be signs of an infection or of a more serious condition called eczema herpeticum, and you may need antibiotics or other treatment.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue, or confusion or trouble waking.
If itching keeps you or your child from getting restful sleep, talk to your doctor.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine the rash, talk through your triggers, and start a treatment plan. They can also refer you to a dermatologist or allergist when needed.
Common questions
Is eczema contagious?
No, eczema is not contagious. Atopic dermatitis cannot be spread from person to person.
Is eczema the same as atopic dermatitis?
Not exactly. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. Eczema is a term for several different types of skin swelling.
Does eczema go away?
It can get better, but it is often a long-lasting disease. For many children, atopic dermatitis goes away before the teenage years. For some people, it can be a lifelong illness.
Can eczema be prevented?
Not always, but some types of eczema can be prevented. You can avoid things that irritate your skin, such as certain soaps, fabrics, and lotions.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Eczema
- NHS - Atopic eczema
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Atopic Dermatitis Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
