Eczema (atopic dermatitis) treatment available online today

In order to treat your eczema, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to get relief from your dry, itchy, or sensitive skin. If necessary, get a new prescription to treat eczema, or refill an existing prescription today.*

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Customized Eczema treatment plans

Comprehensive care for all Eczema types

Personalized home remedies guidance

*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of eczema. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Learn about eczema (atopic dermatitis)

Eczema is a general term that refers to inflammatory skin conditions that causes itchy, dry skin rashes and scaly patch. According to the National Eczema Association, more than 31 million Americans, from babies to children and adults, suffer from some form of eczema. There are seven types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis. Out of the seven types, atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is also called atopic eczema.

Eczema is not contagious, i.e. it does not pass from person to person.

Eczema causes

The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is still an area of active research. Atopic dermatitis occurs when an overactive immune system reacts to substances such as allergens, irritants, and toxins, that causes the skin to become dry and itchy. Atopic dermatitis seems to run in families, suggesting that genetics maybe a determining factor.

  • Many conditions have been observed to trigger symptoms of atopic dermatitis:

    • Dry skin

    • Hand or body soap

    • Laundry detergent

    • Surface cleaners or disinfectants

    • Metals (especially nickel)

    • Cigarette smoke

    • Fragrances

    • Wool or polyester

    • Antibacterial ointment

    • Formaldehyde (common in disinfectants, some vaccines, glues and other adhesives)

    • Cocamidopropyl betaine (used to thicken some shampoos and lotions)

    • Paraphenylene-diamine (found in some leather dyes and temporary tattoos)

    • Excessive stress

    • Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold and dandruff

    • Hormonal changes

    • Climate

    • Eczema may be seasonal, worsened by summer heat or winter dryness

Eczema symptoms

If you have the following eczema symptoms, it is important to take precautions to prevent bacterial skin infections as eczema may have damaged the skin barrier function of your skin. As a result, during the eczema flares the skin is more vulnerable during these times. Common eczema symptoms include:

    • Dry skin

    • Severe itching (also known as pruritus)

    • Red or gray-brown scaly patches on the: hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, chest, eyelids, inside the elbows, back of the knees, and for infants: the face, cheeks, and scalp

    • Small, raised bumps that when scratched may leak and crust or scab over

    • Scaly, cracked, thickened skin

    • Raw, sensitive, or swollen skin from scratching


    The location of these eczema flare ups can be different depending on age. For infants to young children, the affected skin can be the face, outside of the elbows, and on the knees. For older children and adults, the affected skin can be the arms, hands and feet, and back of the knees.

How to treat eczema

There is no cure for atopic dermatitis. The treatment goals are to relieve itching and effectively manage the flare ups. Treatment plan should be dependent on an individual's age and symptoms of atopic dermatitis. For example to treat mild eczema symptoms, moisturizing creams, with over the counter medications maybe enough. For moderate or severe eczema, the eczema treatments may need to involve medical grade moisturizers and prescription medications. For some severe atopic dermatitis, a doctor may recommend therapies such as:

  • Light therapy

    Also known as phototherapy for moderate to severe eczema. This type of therapy involves the use of ultraviolet (UV) light waves that are part of the light spectrum in natural sunlight. Phototherapy aims to suppress the immune system responses that lead to the flare ups. In the simplest form of light therapy, controlled amounts of natural sunlight is used. Some other forms of light therapy uses artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) from special light sources. Phototherapy may be used along with other treatment. Note that there are risks associated with phototherapy: premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. Discuss these risks with your doctor first.

  • Wet wrap therapy

    In this treatment, the affected skin area is wrapped up with wet bandages treated with topical corticosteroids. This is an intensive treatment for patients with severe atopic dermatitis that resulted in lesions.

  • Home Remedies

    Below are a few home remedies that can help relieve itching and help with eczema symptoms:

    • Moisturize your dry skin using a cream or ointment

    • Use a humidifier to reduce dry skin

    • Use skin products that has the following labels: “fragrance free,” “hypoallergenic” and “for sensitive skin.”

Eczema medication

  • Antibiotics

    Antibiotics in oral and topical forms can be prescribed for skin bacterial infections brought about by scratching eczema.

  • Topical treatments

    Topical treatments for atopic dermatitis are generally creams that can be applied to the skin to reduce flare ups. There are different types of topical prescription therapies:

    Desonate (desonide)

    Topical steroids

    Topical calcineurin inhibitors

    PDE4 inhibitors

    Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors

  • Antihistamines

    These oral medications can be taken to reduce atopic dermatitis. There are both over the counter options and prescription medications.

  • Immunosuppressants

    In atopic dermatitis, the immune system overreacts to triggers and causes flare up, leading to symptoms such as itching and skin barrier issues. In the cases of moderate to severe eczema, immunosuppressant which suppresses the immune system in order to reduce the flare ups can be prescribed. The following is a list of immunosuppressants that can be prescribed:

    Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors

    Azathioprine

    Cyclosporine

    Methotrexate

    Mycophenolate mofetil

  • Injectable biologics

    In atopic dermatitis, the immune system overreacts to triggers and causes flare up. Biologics are genetically engineered medications that are injected to suppress immune system response. Below are some FDA approved brand name biologics:

    Dupixent (Dupilumab)

    Adbry (Tralokinumab-ldrm)

  • Over the counter treatments

    For self treatment of mild eczema symptoms, certain over the counter medications can help:

    • cortisone - Hydrocortisone (brand name - Cortisone 10) and hydrocortisone acetate (brand name - Cort-Aid) contain the ingredient cortisone that help control the itching and redness.

    • over the counter antihistamines

How to prevent eczema

Things you can do to help prevent trigger symptoms: Moisturize skin at least two times a day, identify and avoid triggers, take shorter, cooler baths and showers to avoid drying out the skin, use gentle, unscented soaps, pat yourself dry instead of rubbing, take a bleach bath up to twice a week by adding ½ cup bleach to a full tub of warm water and soaking for 10 minutes.

When to see a doctor for eczema

See a doctor for eczema when:

  • There are skin infections

  • Symptoms of atopic dermatitis are not improving or are getting worse despite over the counter treatments

  • has a fever that accompanies infected rash

Eczema treatment FAQs

  • What is the best treatment for eczema?

    Different atopic dermatitis symptoms may need different and various treatments. Some atopic dermatitis treatment methods include:

    • wet bandages

    • light therapy

    • corticosteroid cream or ointment to reduce itching

    • immunosuppressants (e.g. calcineurin inhibitor creams) to help the immune system

    • topical or oral antibiotics for bacterial infections caused by scratching,

    • oral corticosteroids to control inflammation,

    • oral antihistamines (allergy medications)

    • dupilumab (Dupixent), a new, expensive injectable biologic (monoclonal antibody)

  • What is the best medicine for eczema?

    The best medicine for eczema depend on the severity of the atopic dermatitis symptoms and age of the patient. Some known and effective atopic dermatitis medicines include:

    • corticosteroid cream

    • calcineurin inhibitor creams

    • topical or oral antibiotics

    • oral corticosteroids

    • oral antihistamines (allergy medications)

    • injectable biologic (e.g. dupilumab (Dupixent))

  • What cream is best for eczema?

    Topical treatments for atopic dermatitis are generally creams that can be applied to the skin to reduce flare ups. There are different types of topical prescription therapies:

    • topical steroids

    • topical calcineurin inhibitors

    • PDE4 inhibitors

    • Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors

  • Can an online doctor treat eczema?

    Yes, online doctors can treat eczema. You can electronically send pictures of the affected area to your online doctor before your appointment. They will be able to diagnose your condition, help identify your triggers, advise you on at-home treatments, and when necessary, prescribe medication. Book an appointment to speak to an online doctor about eczema treatment

  • Can eczema go away?

    Eczema typically does not go away on its own. There are currently no cures for eczema. Treatment plans can be put in place to relieve itching and effectively manage the flare ups.

3 simple steps to request eczema treatment today

Step 1

Book an eczema treatment appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your eczema symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up a prescription to treat eczema.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Related conditions to eczema

  • Psoriasis

    Psoriasis is a skin conditions that causes well-defined, thick, red, scaly patches. Eczema tends to cause more intense itching than psoriasis. A trained dermatologist is able to tell the difference between eczema and psoriasis.

    Rash

    Skin rashes are patches of red, bumpy or itchy skin breakouts that can occur due to heat/cold, allergens, infections, medications, etc. Rash is one of the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

    Acne

    Acne is one of the common skin infections that develops when skin pores become clogged. The acne-causing bacteria in the clogged pores can grow on the mix of oil and dead skin cells, triggering the body's immune system and causing inflammatory acne. Though acne causes pimples, sometimes it is difficult to tell atopic dermatitis rash and pimples apart. Do note that atopic dermatitis and acne are completely different skin conditions.

Eczema treatment pricing details

How pricing works

To request eczema treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits

Paying with insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

Copay

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

  • We accept these insurance plans and many more:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

$129

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Book an appointment

If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

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