PlushCare / Online Doctor / Primary care / Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
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.
Medication services available 24/7 for adults and kids (3+)
Top quality, board-certified doctors
No insurance needed
Same-day prescriptions available*
*Prescriptions provided at doctor’s discretion.
Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Otherwise, new patient visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for members.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
How pricing works
To request eczema treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits
$14.99/month
First month free
Copay
For all visits
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
$14.99/month
First month free
$129
Repeats only $69
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Eczema is a general term that refers to inflammatory skin conditions that cause itchy, dry skin rashes and scaly patches. 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.
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 cause the skin to become dry and itchy. Atopic dermatitis seems to run in families, suggesting that genetics may be a determining factor.
Antibiotics in oral and topical forms can be prescribed for skin bacterial infections brought about by scratching 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
These oral medications can be taken to reduce atopic dermatitis. There are both over the counter options and prescription medications.
Zyrtec (Cetirizine)
Alavert (Loratadine)
Claritin (Loratadine)
In atopic dermatitis, the immune system overreacts to triggers and causes flare ups, leading to symptoms such as itching and skin barrier issues. In the cases of moderate to severe eczema, immunosuppressants which suppress the immune system in order to reduce the flare ups can be prescribed.
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors
Azathioprine
Cyclosporine
Methotrexate
Mycophenolate mofetil
In atopic dermatitis, the immune system overreacts to triggers and causes flare ups. Biologics are genetically engineered medications that are injected to suppress immune system response. FDA approved brand name biologics include:
Dupixent (Dupilumab)
Adbry (Tralokinumab-ldrm)
For self treatment of mild eczema symptoms, certain over the counter medications can help.
Cortisone 10
Cort-Aid
OTC antihistamines
Things you can do to help prevent trigger symptoms of eczema include: Moisturizing skin at least two times a day, identifying and avoiding triggers, taking shorter, cooler baths and showers to avoid drying out the skin, using gentle, unscented soaps, patting yourself dry instead of rubbing, and taking 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.
See a doctor for eczema when:
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 may be enough. For moderate or severe eczema, the eczema treatments may need to involve medical grade moisturizers and prescription medications. For some severe cases of atopic dermatitis, a doctor may recommend therapies such as:
Light therapy – Also known as phototherapy, light therapy is used 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 are used. Some other forms of light therapy use artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) from special light sources. Phototherapy may be used along with other treatments. Note that there are risks associated with phototherapy, such as 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.
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. During eczema flares, the skin is more vulnerable. 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.
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), topical or oral antibiotics for bacterial infections caused by scratching, oral corticosteroids to control inflammation, oral antihistamines (allergy medications), or dupilumab (Dupixent), a new, expensive injectable biologic (monoclonal antibody).
The best medicine for eczema depend on the severity of the atopic dermatitis symptoms and age of the patient. Corticosteroid cream, calcineurin inhibitor creams, and topical or oral antibiotics are just some of the more popular options for eczema medicine.
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.
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.
