Eczema Subtypes
Types of Eczema Dr. Sierro Diagnoses and Treats
Eczema is not one condition. Getting the right treatment depends entirely on identifying which type of eczema you have. Dr. Sierro diagnoses the specific subtype at your first visit and tailors the treatment plan to the biology of that condition.
Atopic Dermatitis
The most common form of eczema. Chronic, relapsing condition driven by a genetic skin barrier defect and immune dysregulation. Associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis, known as the atopic triad.
Contact Dermatitis
A rash triggered by contact with a specific irritant (irritant contact dermatitis) or allergen (allergic contact dermatitis). Common triggers include fragrances, nickel, latex, preservatives, and cleaning products. Identifying and eliminating the triggering substance.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Small, intensely itchy blisters that appear on the palms, soles, and sides of the fingers and toes. Often associated with atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or stress. The blisters are deep-seated and fluid-filled and can be very uncomfortable.
Nummular Dermatitis
Coin-shaped, scaly, itchy patches that can ooze and crust. Often triggered by dry skin, insect bites, or skin injury. More common in men and in older patients. Requires high-potency topical steroids and aggressive moisturization for resolution.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Itchy, flaking patches in oily skin areas like the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, and ears. Driven by an inflammatory response to Malassezia yeast on the skin surface.
Psoriasis
Thick, silvery, scaly plaques driven by immune overactivity accelerating skin cell turnover. Most common on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. 30 percent of psoriasis patients develop psoriatic arthritis.
The atopic triad: Atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis frequently occur together in the same patient or family. Approximately 35 percent of infants with atopic dermatitis go on to develop asthma. If you have a personal or family history of any two of these three conditions and develop a skin rash, the probability that it is atopic dermatitis is significantly higher than in the general population. Dr. Sierro accounts for the full atopic history at consultation when diagnosing and planning long-term eczema management.
Treatment Options for Eczema at Kare Skin Health Center
Moisturizers and Barrier Repair
The foundation of all eczema management. Ointments are more effective than creams, and creams more effective than lotions for barrier repair. Dr. Sierro recommends fragrance-free, ceramide-containing formulations applied immediately after bathing while the skin is still damp. Consistent moisturization is the single most effective daily habit for reducing eczema flares.
Topical Corticosteroids
The first-line prescription treatment for eczema flares. Available in seven potency classes matched to the severity of the rash and the body location. High-potency steroids on the body for brief courses, low-potency steroids on the face and skin folds. Dr. Sierro prescribes the right potency for each patient's specific anatomy and severity rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Topical Immunomodulators
Elidel (pimecrolimus) and Protopic (tacrolimus) are non-steroidal prescription creams that treat eczema without the skin-thinning risk of steroids. They are particularly useful for long-term maintenance on the face and skin folds, and for children who need ongoing treatment in areas where steroid use should be limited. Eucrisa (crisaborole) is a newer non-steroidal option for mild to moderate eczema.
Dupixent Biologic Therapy
For moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis that does not respond to topical treatment, Dupixent (dupilumab) is an injectable biologic that blocks the IL-4 and IL-13 pathways driving the inflammatory eczema response. Injected subcutaneously every two weeks, Dupixent produces dramatic skin clearance in many patients with long-standing severe eczema. Dr. Sierro manages Dupixent patients at Kare Skin Health Center from initiation through ongoing maintenance.
"The patients who come to me after years of using over-the-counter hydrocortisone on severe eczema need a completely different conversation. I need to know what type of eczema they have, what their triggers are, what their barrier looks like, and whether they are a candidate for biologic therapy. Eczema management is not one prescription. It is a partnership with the patient that evolves as their skin changes."
— Dr. Tiffany Sierro, MD · Board-Certified Dermatologist · Kare Skin Health Center, Santa Monica
Related Resources at Kare Skin Health Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get eczema treated in Santa Monica?
Kare Skin Health Center at 804 7th Street in Santa Monica near Montana Avenue offers expert eczema and atopic dermatitis treatment by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Sierro. All eczema subtypes diagnosed and treated including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis. Psoriasis also managed. Dupixent biologic therapy available. Call (310) 998-5533. We serve patients from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Malibu, and all of Los Angeles.
Can eczema be cured?
Eczema cannot be completely cured, but it can be very effectively managed. Many patients achieve extended periods of clear skin with the right treatment plan. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing condition, which means flares will recur — but with the correct treatment regimen and trigger avoidance, flares can be minimized in both frequency and severity. Some children do outgrow eczema by their teens, while others carry it into adulthood. Adults with eczema benefit most from a consistent, personalized management plan with a board-certified dermatologist rather than episodic over-the-counter treatment. Call Dr. Sierro at (310) 998-5533 for a comprehensive eczema plan.
What triggers eczema flares?
Common eczema triggers include dry skin, hot or cold weather, sweating, rough fabric against the skin, fragranced soaps and detergents, bleaching agents in clothing, stress, respiratory illness, and allergens including dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. Food triggers — particularly eggs, milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, and fish — are more relevant in young children than adults. Dr. Sierro identifies your specific trigger profile at consultation and provides practical avoidance strategies alongside medical treatment. The most commonly overlooked trigger in Santa Monica patients is long hot showers, which strip the skin barrier and worsen atopic dermatitis significantly. Call (310) 998-5533.
Related Resources at Kare Skin Health Center