Best eczema specialists near me

Eczema is a chronic condition that results in dry, itchy, red, and inflamed skin.

Eczema affects 1 in 10 Americans, from infants to adults 65 and older, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). There are several types of eczema, including:

Atopic dermatitis: The most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis is caused by a weakened natural barrier of the skin, leaving you more vulnerable to irritants and allergens. Atopic dermatitis can be caused by environmental factors, a weakened immune system, or genetics.

Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis can be caused by an allergic reaction to something you touch or by chemicals and harsh substances you may come into contact with. This can be caused by certain cleaning products (like bleach), poison ivy, skin care products, latex, or nickel metal.

Hand eczema: Hand eczema, as its name suggests, is eczema that only affects the hands. It can often be caused by cleaning products, hair products, or laundry products.

Neurodermatitis: The cause of Neurodermatitis is unknown. It can occur along with chronic skin conditions and may be triggered by stress. The irritated area becomes itchier as it is scratched, leading to wounds or skin infections.

Nummular eczema: Nummular eczema describes a skin condition that results in itchy, coin-shaped spots on the skin. These spots can become crusty, scaly, or leak fluid. Nummular eczema can be caused by irritation from a bug bite, an allergic reaction, or excessively dry skin.

Stasis dermatitis: According to the AAD, about 15-20 million people above the age of 50 live with stasis dermatitis. Stasis dermatitis results in affected skin that is rough, itchy, and red around varicose veins. Stasis dermatitis usually occurs due to poor blood flow in the legs. This skin condition can worsen and cause adverse side effects such as wounds, discoloration, and pain.

Eczema can take different forms and present different symptoms - mostly based on where the affected skin is located on the body.

According to the National Eczema Association, most types of eczema cause similar symptoms, which include:

• Itchy skin
  
• Dry skin
  
• Inflamed and discolored skin
  
• Crusting
  
• Scaly patches of skin
  

Depending on the type of eczema you are experiencing, these symptoms may vary. For instance, patients with stasis dermatitis often experience symptoms in the lower legs, near varicose veins. Those with hand eczema often experience scaly, itchy patches of skin on the hands and wrists. The severity and duration of these symptoms can differ from person to person. Some patients may experience flare-ups due to very dry skin or an allergic reaction. Some patients may only experience a brief period of symptoms, and nothing more.

There is no cure for eczema, but there are treatment plans that can help manage and ease symptoms. These treatments include:

- Over-the-counter medication: Anti-allergy medications such as antihistamines and topical anti-itch cream can help fight itchiness and inflammation of the affected skin. Non-prescription hydrocortisone creams can also help temporarily relieve itching, which may help the condition improve.

- Moisturizing: Moisturizers, such as lotions, oils, or ointment can help reduce dryness and relieve itching. Moisturizing twice a day has been shown to soothe skin and relieve symptoms. If you are using hydrocortisone cream, it is best to apply the hydrocortisone after moisturizing so that the cream can be more easily absorbed by the skin.

- Phototherapy: If a patient experiences flare-ups due to topical treatments, phototherapy (or light therapy) has been shown to reduce symptoms of eczema. Phototherapy is a process that exposes the patient to controlled doses of natural sunlight or UV rays. There are dangers associated with sun exposure, however, such as skin cancer and accelerated skin aging. Because of this, phototherapy is rarely used as a long-term treatment plan for eczema in adults and is never used for children or infants.

- Prescription medication: For some severe or persistent cases of eczema, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce irritation and fight itchiness. These prescription medications may come in the form of an oral corticosteroid (such as prednisone) or topical steroid creams. It is recommended that you apply these medications after moisturizing to best help the medication penetrate the skin. Along with a corticosteroid treatment plan, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help keep bacteria from infecting the open cracks or sores on the surface of the skin.

While there is no known cure for eczema, the side effects of eczema can be reduced and relieved with either at-home remedies, or prescription medication. Moisturizers, anti-itch creams, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs have all been shown to help patients manage their itching while reducing redness and scaly skin. Many of these methods have proven effective in minimizing side effects.

Eczema is a highly persistent skin condition that usually won't go away without treatment. Unaddressed eczema can lead to open wounds, discolored skin, and bacterial skin diseases.

While there is no known cure for eczema, at-home remedies have been shown to help reduce side effects and symptoms associated with the condition. Common at-home remedies include:

- Moisturizing: Moisturizing once or twice daily can help soothe skin. Dry skin can cause flare-ups of eczema, so keeping skin moisturized not only helps reduce the side effects of eczema but can also help prevent flare-ups from occurring.

- Cool compress: Soak a clean washcloth in cold bathwater and apply it to itchy and inflamed skin. The cool compress can help reduce the inflammatory swelling that can occur, while soothing itching.

- Oatmeal baths: Add colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath and soak affected skin to relieve itching and reduce irritation. Studies have shown that colloidal oatmeal protects skin and diminishes inflammatory cells that can lead to flare-ups.

- Using gentle soaps and detergents: Because contact dermatitis can be caused by exposure to harsh chemicals and bleaches found in some cleaning products, swapping these products out for products that use natural ingredients and gentle cleansing compounds can help prevent flare-ups. Look for fragrance-free, color-free, and exfoliant-free products to help soothe the skin and reduce irritation.

- Allergy medication: Because many forms of eczema flare-up due to irritation from allergens, taking an oral antihistamine or using anti-itch topical gel can help minimize the body’s reaction to allergens.

- Protect the skin: Eczema gets itchier the more it is scratched. Continued scratching can lead to bleeding, open sores, and bacterial infections. Keeping the skin under clothing, using anti-itch treatments (such as those listed above), and keeping the skin moisturized can help prevent itchy, dry skin.

If eczema is persistent or severe, speak with your primary care doctor or dermatologist about treatment options. Dermatologists are specially trained to diagnose and treat severe skin conditions like eczema and can prescribe maximum-strength medication to help alleviate the discomfort that comes with it.

It is up to the provider to determine what services they offer through a virtual appointment. Examples of care you can find on marketplaces like Sesame include:

• Primary care
  
• Urgent care (for conditions such as rashes, sore throat, migraines, UTIs, and more)
  
• Sexual health consultations
  
• Mental health consultations
  
• Chronic condition management
  
• Dermatology consultations
  
• Prescription refills
  
• Pediatric care
  

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, do not use telehealth. Instead, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Dermatology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the skin, hair, and nails. Doctors of dermatology (dermatologists) specialize in treating conditions that affect these parts of the body, including skin diseases and some cosmetic conditions.

Conditions that dermatologists treat include:

• Acne
  
• Melanoma (skin cancer)
  
• Psoriasis
  
• Eczema
  
• Dermatitis
  
• Hair disease/ hair loss
  
• Rosacea
  
• Moles
  
• Canker sores
  
• Vitiligo
  

Dermatologists are highly specialized medical doctors who are trained to treat conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. They can specialize in several dermatologic specialties, including:

- Pediatric dermatology: Pediatric dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating skin conditions in children. They treat conditions like birthmarks, warts, eczema, or psoriasis.

- Dermatopathology: Dermatopathologists are doctors who specialize in both dermatology and pathology. This means they are trained to examine biopsied parts of the skin and write a biopsy report to determine the possibility of skin cancers (such as melanoma) or skin disease (such as impetigo, vitiligo, or warts). Some dermatopathologists undergo special training to be able to perform Mohs surgery, a precise technique used to get rid of skin cancer cells. The dermatopathologist uses a scalpel to remove cancer on the skin, as well as a thin layer of skin below. Once removed, this tissue is taken to a laboratory for analysis. This analysis helps the dermatopathologist determine if all the cancer cells from the skin have been removed, or if further surgery is needed.

- Cosmetic dermatology: Cosmetic dermatologists are doctors who specialize in aesthetic skin care, treating conditions including acne, wrinkles, sagging skin, or varicose veins. These doctors are trained to perform cosmetic procedures like filler injections for sagging skin, laser skin resurfacing, or chemical peels.

Dermatologists must complete 4 years of a bachelor’s degree, 4 years of medical school, an internship, and a 3-year residency. After finishing their residency, a dermatologist can complete an exam to earn certification from the American Board of Dermatology. Board certification ensures that the dermatologist has the expertise and qualifications necessary to treat conditions of the skin, hair, and nails.

Dermatologists are medical doctors who undergo special training to diagnose and treat various dermatological needs. Some conditions dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat include:

- Eczema: Eczema is a red and itchy rash that is caused by irritants and allergens. Dermatologists can treat eczema with topical corticosteroid creams, moisturizers, or oral medication.

- Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a common, chronic, condition that flares in cycles. A psoriasis flareup can cause red, itchy, and flaky skin on the torso, knees, elbows, or scalp. Dermatologists can treat psoriasis with topical creams, light therapy, or oral medication.

- Dermatitis: Dermatitis refers to skin irritation that results in red, itchy, and dry skin. This can be caused by an allergic reaction, eczema, or yeast in the oil of the skin. A dermatologist can prescribe light therapy, creams, gels, or oral medication.

Skin care, on the other hand, is handled by estheticians, professionals who specialize in the cosmetics of the skin. Estheticians are not medical doctors and cannot diagnose skin conditions or prescribe medication. They perform elective skin treatments that can help the appearance of the skin. Estheticians can perform cosmetic procedures such as waxing, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and hair removal.

Nope! Some insurance networks won't cover a dermatologist visit without the referral of a primary care physician, but in most cases, you do not need a referral to see a dermatologist. You do not need a primary care physician's referral for cosmetic dermatology, for instance. Cosmetic procedures such as Botox, chemical peels, and fillers are elective, so all you need to do is get in touch with a cosmetic dermatologist to set up a consultation.

Sesame makes it easier than ever to get in touch with a board-certified dermatologist or skin care expert. Whether you are experiencing urgent skin care problems (such as a rash, contact dermatitis, or bug bites) or want a consultation on acne, Sesame offers affordable and convenient visits with doctors in Battle Creek, MI. Simply search for the care you want, compare prices, and pay upfront. No insurance needed. Book a visit today and save up to 60% on your next skin care visit.

Most dermatology consultations start with the doctor reviewing the patient's medical history and asking about symptoms or complications the patient may be experiencing. After these initial steps, a physical exam, or a visual exam, of the affected area will usually be done so that the doctor can assess what skin condition may be affecting the patient. In certain cases, based on the doctor's findings, further testing may need to be done. These tests may include blood tests, skin samples, or biopsies to check for cancers or underlying conditions.

If further testing is not required, the dermatologist or physician can give medical advice to the patient about treatment plan options and next steps. This way the patient has an understanding of available options and possible next steps.

There are no risks associated with video dermatology consultations, as these online visits are meant to diagnose conditions. Video dermatology consultations can play a key part in creating treatment plan options to help reduce the effects of skin conditions and catch skin issues before they become more severe.

Yes! Sesame offers a wide range of telehealth options, including video dermatology consultations for new and existing patients. Connect with a real, quality doctor on Sesame today to book a personalized visit that can help with skin conditions and skin care treatment plans.

Dermatologists that offer video dermatology services on Sesame can help treat:
-Acne
-Eczema
-Rashes
-Psoriasis
-Rosacea
-Nail conditions (such as infections and injury)

Sesame works with doctors to set prices directly on the site, so you pay one affordable price upfront without worrying about co-pays or surprise bills. Book an online visit with a top-rated health care provider or skin care specialist on Sesame for up to 60% less than what you'll find anywhere else. Video dermatology services on Sesame make it easy to regain control of your skin and get the skin care you need on your busy schedule.

If you are experiencing severe skin issues, or require skin cancer treatment, such as a biopsy, you may consider booking an in-person office visit with a dermatologist on Sesame. Search for the type of care you need, compare prices, and book a visit at your convenience.

Video dermatology consultations help patients address skin conditions without the hassle and stress of office visits. Video consultations mean no wait times, no crowds, and visits on your own schedule. Video dermatology consultations can help patients get medical advice and treatment plan options for conditions such as:

• Acne
  
• Eczema
  
• Rashes
  
• Psoriasis
  
• Rosacea
  

In some cases, follow-up visits may be required. Depending on the severity of the patient's skin condition, or if there is a risk of skin cancer, your dermatologist may request an in-person face-to-face office visit to get a skin sample or a biopsy.

Video skin consultations are a form of dermatology care used to connect patients to primary care providers and board-certified dermatologists, for skin health conditions such as acne, warts, moles, and skin cancers, as well as urgent care concerns such as bug bites, burns, rashes, and cold sores.

Sesame offers both dermatology and skin consult appointments via video visits. Video skin consults are primarily used to help patients with urgent care concerns regarding the skin (such as those listed above). However, these visits can also help individuals determine whether or not they need to see a specialist to address their concerns. If you aren't sure whether or not you need to see a dermatologist, video skin consultations may be helpful in answering some of your questions and helping you with next steps.