Eczema is a barrier-and-inflammation problem, not simply dry skin. When it is active, itching can disrupt sleep, cracked skin can become infected, and repeated flares can interfere with daily life.
Treatment starts with restoring the skin barrier and controlling inflammation, then escalates when needed to prescription topicals, phototherapy, biologics, or targeted oral therapy.
Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment
What causes eczema?
Atopic dermatitis results from a combination of skin-barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, genetics, and environmental triggers. It is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious.
How is it treated?
Treatment begins with skin-barrier care and trigger reduction. Depending on severity, therapy may include topical corticosteroids, nonsteroidal topical medications, phototherapy, and modern treatments including biologic therapy and oral immune-modulating medications.
When is phototherapy useful?
Narrowband UVB can be useful for selected patients with more widespread disease who need an option beyond topical therapy. Borealis offers whole-body NB-UVB in Syosset and Bellerose and Excimer laser treatment at all three offices. Learn more about phototherapy and whole-body narrowband UVB.
In children, eczema-related inflammation can sometimes leave lighter facial patches called pityriasis alba. These patches can be especially noticeable in darker skin tones and may be confused with vitiligo.
Why individualized treatment matters
Eczema varies substantially by age, body site, skin tone, severity, infection risk, and quality-of-life impact. The right plan should control itch and inflammation while minimizing medication burden and long-term adverse effects.
For infants and children, see Childhood Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis).
Related reading from Borealis
Explore these articles for more background and questions to discuss at your visit.