Atopic dermatitis, commonly called eczema, can seriously interfere with your life when left untreated. At Borealis Dermatology, our team of dermatologists can provide insight into what triggers your flare ups and provide treatment options to alleviate your symptoms.

What is Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema?

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a skin condition that causes dry skin, rashes, and extreme itching. These reactions in the skin can go away and come back on their own, leaving red blotches and blisters when scratched at. This condition usually appears on the arms, legs, and face, but can also appear in other locations. As a complex condition with no definitive cure, eczema treatments are primarily about managing the conditions to relieve the symptoms.

Did you know…

Atopic dermatitis is the most recurring form of eczema. It affects about 16 million adults and 9 million children in the United States. As a chronic condition, it can appear as early as five years old and come and go throughout life. It can also overlap with other types of eczema without proper treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema?

There are various triggers that cause atopic dermatitis to flare up. The triggers include certain soaps, detergents, allergens, and changes in weather that causes irritation on the skin. Because triggers are different for each individual, there is no single definitive cause for this condition. People with eczema often go years without understanding their triggers, leading to more flares and potential infections. If your skin is irritated and drier than usual and/or you develop new rashes, see your dermatologist right away.

How is Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema treated?

Atopic dermatitis doesn’t have a cure, and the only treatments are based on condition management. After discussing your symptoms and identifying your triggers through various diagnostic tests, our team can provide a variety of treatments to help control your symptoms. Some treatments include:

• Moisturizers and Lotions: As dryness is a key symptom in atopic dermatitis, utilizing moisturizers or lotions everyday is helpful. Gentle moisturizers from CeraVe or Cetaphil are recommended.
• Topical Corticosteroids: Topical steroid creams help reduce inflammation and itching from eczema flare ups. 
• Antihistamines: Antihistamines can be taken to reduce severe itching, especially for the night-time.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics can be prescribed for infections caused by severe scratching and redness.
• Immune System Suppressants: Eucrisa is a non-steroidal topical cream that includes an active ingredient called crisaborole, which targets specific enzymes that regulate inflammation. 
• Injectable Biologics: Dupixent is a non-steroidal and non-immunosuppressant injection that includes an active ingredient called dupliumab, which targets specific proteins to heal the skin and reduce inflammation

Contact Borealis Dermatology to schedule an appointment with our providers to see if you are a candidate for atopic dermatitis/eczema treatments. Borealis Dermatology offers two convenient locations to provide various treatments for our patients in the Queens and Long Island areas. You can experience the highest medical and aesthetic expertise available through our treatment options by visiting our clinic.