Eczema and dermatitis care

If you’re dealing with dermatitis, you’re not alone. The condition affects about three in 10 Americans at some point in their lives. Dermatitis is a common and often uncomfortable skin condition that causes itching, dryness, burning, and soreness. There are several types, including contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), and atopic dermatitis (eczema), the most common form. Each type has unique symptoms and can affect different areas of the body. Mild to moderate dermatitis can often be treated at home, but severe cases may require medical care.

At Penn Medicine, you have multiple options for care, whether through your primary care provider, allergist, or dermatologist. No matter where you start, we’ll guide you to the right treatment plan for lasting relief.

Choosing Penn Medicine for your eczema and dermatitis care means access to the newest treatments, research studies, and clinical trials. Our ongoing research trials are actively testing and refining the next generation of these therapies.

When a skin biopsy is necessary to identify the precise type of dermatitis, our providers work with dermatopathologists (skin pathology specialists) to confirm the diagnosis. We’re one of the few dermatology departments with our own dedicated research labs and testing facilities, which is why hospitals and health systems nationwide often send us lab work to help pinpoint a diagnosis.

Dermatitis and eczema treatment options

Our specialists work with you to find the most effective eczema and atopic dermatitis therapy to manage your condition. If home remedies don’t help, they may recommend prescription-strength antihistamines, corticosteroid or calcineurin inhibitor creams, or steroid-free medications like topical immunomodulators. For moderate to severe cases of dermatitis that haven’t responded to other treatments, light therapy (phototherapy) may be an option.

More severe cases may require oral corticosteroids or targeted treatments like biologic injections, which reduce inflammation by blocking specific receptors in the body. If you have a rash that looks like contact dermatitis, your provider may suggest skin testing to identify the cause.

Allergy testing for contact dermatitis

More than 15,000 substances can trigger an allergic skin reaction. Our providers use a targeted patch testing technique to find external substances causing allergic contact dermatitis. The test involves placing chemicals on tape, which is then applied to your back. Unlike standard pre-packaged tests, our customized approach increases the chances of identifying the specific allergen and finding an effective treatment.

We also offer photo patch testing to check for allergies to substances like sunscreens, medications, or chemicals activated by sunlight. This test involves applying small amounts of chemicals to your back and exposing them to ultraviolet (UV) light to see if a reaction occurs.

Advanced eczema care

Atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, is a long-term skin condition that can cause discomfort and affect daily life. Scaly rashes, constant itching, and pain may interfere with sleep, work, school, and social activities. While eczema is often a lifelong condition, effective treatment can help manage symptoms.

Penn Medicine specializes in diagnosing and treating all forms of eczema, including complex cases. For those who haven’t responded to other treatments or want to reduce reliance on topical corticosteroids, phototherapy may be a safe and effective option. This gentle light-based therapy helps reduce redness, itching, and inflammation.