Psoriasis, Eczema & Atopic Dermatitis
Psoriasis, eczema, and atopic dermatitis are chronic skin conditions that affect millions of people — and while they're each very different, they share one thing in common: they can significantly impact your quality of life. Living with persistent itching, flaking, inflammation, or painful flare-ups is exhausting. Our providers understand that and are committed to finding the right treatment approach for your skin, your lifestyle, and your long-term comfort. These conditions are manageable — and we're here to help you get there.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the skin to produce new cells much faster than normal. Instead of shedding naturally, those cells build up on the surface, forming the thick, scaly, often itchy or painful patches most people associate with the condition. It most commonly appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back, but it can show up anywhere — including the nails and joints.
Psoriasis is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. It's driven by the immune system, which means it can flare unpredictably — often triggered by stress, illness, certain medications, or skin injury.
Types of Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis — The most common type, characterized by raised, red patches covered with silvery-white scales
Guttate psoriasis — Small, drop-shaped lesions that often appear after a strep infection, more common in children and young adults
Inverse psoriasis — Smooth, red patches in skin folds like the armpits, groin, and under the breasts
Pustular psoriasis — White pustules surrounded by red skin, can be localized or widespread
Erythrodermic psoriasis — A severe, rare form that causes widespread redness and shedding affecting most of the body
Nail psoriasis — Pitting, discoloration, and separation of the nail from the nail bed
Psoriatic arthritis — Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling that accompanies skin symptoms in some patients
How We Treat Psoriasis
Psoriasis treatment has come a long way, and there are more options available today than ever before. Your provider will evaluate the type, severity, and location of your psoriasis and work with you to build a plan that fits your life. Treatment may include:
Topical treatments — Corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, retinoids, and other prescription creams and ointments to manage mild to moderate psoriasis
Biologics — Injectable or infused medications that target specific parts of the immune system responsible for psoriasis. Biologics are highly effective for moderate to severe psoriasis and have transformed outcomes for many patients
Oral medications — Prescription pills that work systemically to reduce inflammation and slow skin cell production
Combination approaches — Many patients do best with a combination of topical and systemic treatments, adjusted over time based on how their skin responds
Eczema
Eczema is a broad term for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed, itchy, red, and irritated. It's incredibly common — affecting both children and adults — and can range from mild and occasional to chronic and disruptive. Eczema is not contagious, but it is often hereditary, and those with eczema are more likely to also have asthma or allergies — a connection known as the atopic triad.
Flare-ups can be triggered by a wide range of factors including dry skin, sweat, stress, heat, certain soaps or detergents, synthetic fabrics, and environmental allergens. Identifying and avoiding your personal triggers is an important part of managing the condition long term.
Types of Eczema
Atopic dermatitis — The most common and chronic form of eczema (covered in more detail below)
Contact dermatitis — A reaction to direct contact with an irritant or allergen, like a new skincare product, cleaning supply, or metal
Dyshidrotic eczema — Small, intensely itchy blisters on the hands and feet
Nummular eczema — Coin-shaped patches of irritated skin, often triggered by dry skin or insect bites
Seborrheic dermatitis — Scaly patches and redness, most commonly on the scalp, face, and chest — often called dandruff when on the scalp
Stasis dermatitis — Skin inflammation in the lower legs caused by poor circulation, common in older adults
How We Treat Eczema
Eczema management is highly individualized. What works for one patient may not work for another, and treatment often evolves over time. Your provider will take the time to understand your triggers, your history, and your goals before recommending a plan. Options may include:
Topical treatments — Prescription corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and newer non-steroidal options to calm inflammation and relieve itching
Moisturization strategies — A consistent, targeted skincare routine is one of the most important tools for managing eczema long term
Trigger identification — Patch testing and thorough evaluation to identify specific allergens or irritants driving your flares
Biologics — For moderate to severe eczema that hasn't responded to topical treatments, biologic medications can be a game changer
Oral medications — Prescription options to manage more widespread or severe flares
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is the most common and chronic form of eczema — and one of the most complex. It's a long-term inflammatory skin condition that causes intense itching, dry skin, and recurring rashes that can significantly affect sleep, mental health, and overall quality of life. It typically begins in childhood but can persist into adulthood or appear for the first time in adults.
Atopic dermatitis is driven by a combination of genetic and immune factors that cause the skin's barrier to function less effectively than it should. When the barrier is compromised, the skin loses moisture more easily and becomes more vulnerable to irritants, allergens, and infection. The itch-scratch cycle that comes with atopic dermatitis can make the condition harder to control and the skin more susceptible to flare-ups.
How We Treat Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis requires a thoughtful, long-term management strategy — not just a quick fix. Our providers will work closely with you to understand your pattern of flares, your triggers, and how the condition is affecting your life, then build a plan around that. Treatment may include:
Topical treatments — Prescription corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and newer targeted topicals like PDE4 inhibitors and JAK inhibitors that offer effective relief with a favorable safety profile for long-term use
Biologics — Medications like Dupixent (dupilumab) have been a breakthrough for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, targeting the specific immune pathways driving the condition with impressive results
Oral medications — For patients who need additional systemic support, oral options including JAK inhibitors are available
Skincare regimen — A structured, consistent routine using the right moisturizers and gentle products is foundational to keeping atopic dermatitis under control between flares
Trigger management — Identifying and minimizing exposure to personal triggers is a critical part of long-term success
Living with atopic dermatitis can be really hard — but it is treatable, and outcomes have improved dramatically in recent years. We're here to help you find what works.