Mitchell J. Mandel, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, founder · All offices
Eczema and dermatitis
Medically reviewed by Mitchell J. Mandel, M.D., F.A.A.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist. Last reviewed .
Atopic dermatitis, a common type of eczema, causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. It often starts in childhood, but it can begin at any age. It tends to flare and calm down over time.
Eczema is not contagious. Treatment aims to reduce itching, improve sleep and control flares.
Signs and symptoms
- Intense itching, often worse at night
- Dry, rough or scaly skin
- Red, brown or gray patches, depending on skin tone
- Small bumps that may leak fluid and crust over
- Thickened skin from scratching
- Common spots include the inner elbows, backs of the knees, hands, face and neck
How we treat it
- Skin care: gentle cleansers and thick moisturizers used every day
- Prescription creams and ointments: steroids and non-steroid options to calm flares
- Biologic and injectable treatments: such as dupilumab, for moderate to severe eczema
- Oral medicines: for eczema that does not respond to creams
- Narrowband UVB light therapy: at our Upper East Side and Greenvale offices
- Patch testing: when an allergy might be making eczema worse
Where it is offered
Offered at all of our offices.
Eczema Q&A
Will my child outgrow eczema?
Many children see their eczema improve as they get older, but some continue to have it as adults. We treat patients of all ages.
What makes eczema flare?
Common triggers include dry air, hot showers, harsh soaps, fragrance, sweat, stress and some fabrics like wool.
Are steroid creams safe?
Prescription steroid creams can be effective when used as directed. The strength, location and duration matter because overuse can cause skin thinning and other side effects. Your provider will explain how to use them.
Who you can see
Dustin Marks, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Upper East Side
Emily Tongdee, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Downtown Brooklyn
Emma Newman, PA-C
Physician assistant · Upper East Side
Grace Jarrett, PA-C
Physician assistant · Downtown Brooklyn
Leah Aminov, PA-C
Physician assistant · Greenvale
Karen Chen, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Paige Yurick, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Arielle Ades, DNP, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Francesca Raedel, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Jennifer Telgener, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Christine Sacco, FNP-C
Nurse practitioner · Palm Beach Gardens