What Kind of Doctor Treats Eczema?

Dermatologists, primary care physicians (PCPs), and allergists can treat and help you manage your eczema symptoms. Which provider or combination of providers is best for you will vary depending on the type of eczema you have and the severity of your symptoms. 

Note: There are seven different types of eczema. In most cases, people use the word “eczema”  to refer to the most common type of the condition, atopic dermatitis. For the purposes of this article, we’ll refer to the group of conditions when using the word “eczema” and refer to other types of eczema by their name.

Dermatologist

Many people with eczema choose to seek guidance from a dermatologist. A board-certified dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in skin, scalp, hair, and nail health. They can diagnose and treat any skin condition, including eczema. 

Primary Care Physician (PCP)

A PCP, sometimes referred to as an internist or General Practitioner (GP), doesn’t have specialized knowledge of skin health. A PCP usually has more generalized training and will build a relationship with their patients over time, helping to care for their overall health and well-being. 

However, most PCPs can diagnose common skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and can even help to treat mild cases. Otherwise, your PCP can refer you to a specialist. They may recommend seeing a specialist if you’re not responding well to treatment or if your symptoms fall out of the scope of their knowledge and expertise.

Can an Allergist Help with Eczema?

Yes, an allergist, also called an immunologist, can help to treat and manage some types of eczema. An allergist is a doctor who specializes in the immune system and can help people treat and prevent their allergy problems. 

Atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema are types of eczema that can be influenced by allergens. An allergist can help determine what kinds of allergens, if any, are causing your symptoms. They can also advise you on the most effective approach for avoiding your triggers and recommend effective treatments. 

How Coordinated Care Can Help With Eczema

Having a coordinated care team for eczema can help you stay on top of your treatment and management protocols over time. 

A dermatologist will check-in with you about your symptoms to ensure that your treatment strategy is still effective and manageable for your lifestyle. 

Your PCP may also check-in with you about your symptoms while continuing to coordinate with your dermatologist to ensure that treatment is working. If new symptoms or health conditions arise, your PCP and dermatologist can work together to adjust treatment protocols as needed. 

An allergist may work with your PCP and/or your dermatologist to identify possible triggers for your eczema symptoms and make recommendations for treatment. 

When to See a Specialist for Eczema?

Many PCPs can work with you to manage mild eczema symptoms. But there are some scenarios in which you may want to consider reaching out to a specialist, like a dermatologist or allergist:

• Your symptoms are worsening or interfering with your ability to carry on with everyday responsibilities. 
• Your condition has changed over the last 6-12 months.
• Your previous treatment is no longer working.
• You’re interested in treatments like systemics or phototherapy.

Can I Get Virtual Treatment for Eczema?

Yes, effective eczema treatment is available online.  

In fact, many people prefer speaking with a provider online because it’s often the easiest, most affordable, and most accessible way to get the care they need.

At Zest, you get unlimited virtual access to our expert, specialized care for eczema. You can make an appointment within days or use our 24/7 chat messaging service to get relief faster, all covered by major insurers.  

Common Treatment Options for Eczema

There are many possible treatment options for eczema. The type of treatment your provider recommends will vary depending on the type of eczema you have and the severity of your symptoms.

Common treatment options for eczema include:

• Topical medications: These creams and ointments are applied directly to the skin and can quickly relieve common eczema symptoms including itchiness and redness. Topical medications also improve your skin’s ability to protect against germs that irritate it and cause future flare-ups.
• ‍Light therapy: Usually delivered via special light bulbs or laser over several months, phototherapy is a safe and effective treatment option for atopic dermatitis.
• ‍Systemics: Systemic medications work throughout the body on the immune system to treat moderate to severe cases of eczema.