What causes eczema to flare up? Our Dermatology PA Answers Your Top Questions About Atopic Dermatitis
Managing eczema is a collaborative effort between patient and provider, so understanding your condition is the first step. At Berks Plastic Surgery’s Reading dermatology clinic, we often see patients struggling with eczema—a common, often chronic skin condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. We asked our Dermatology Physician Assistant, Stacey Spehalski, to provide answers to the top questions she hears from these patients.
What is eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that leads to dry, itchy, and red skin areas. It can affect people of all ages but is most common in children. Eczema results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that disrupt the skin’s barrier function, which makes the skin especially sensitive and easily irritated.
How is eczema diagnosed?
We diagnose eczema in our clinic after examining your skin and learning about your medical history. Common signs include dry, scaly patches, redness, and areas of skin thickening. We may also discuss any family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies, as these conditions often occur together. In some cases, patch testing or skin biopsies are performed to rule out other skin disorders.
Is eczema genetic?
Yes, genetics can play a role in eczema. If you have a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever, you may be more likely to develop the condition.
Is there a cure for eczema? Can eczema go away permanently?
There is no definitive cure for eczema, but you may experience periods of time where symptoms disappear altogether. With appropriate management, most people with eczema are able to manage symptoms and have a comfortable quality of life. And some (but not all) children may outgrow eczema over time.
What are the best treatments for eczema in 2026?
Effective treatments for eczema include skin care routines and medical therapies:
- Moisturizers: Regular application of gentle, fragrance-free lotion helps restore the skin barrier and prevent flare-ups.
- Topical Steroids: Steroid creams are a go-to treatment to reduce inflammation and itching when you are having a flare-up.
- Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors: These inhibitors, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, may be used in sensitive areas.
- Biologic Therapies: Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody that has shown promise in treating moderate to severe eczema.
- Phototherapy: Professional, controlled exposure to ultraviolet light can improve symptoms.
- Antihistamines: Oral antihistamines, like those taken for allergies, can help control itching.
Every eczema treatment plan is customized to the patient, so we do not recommend treating eczema at home on your own. Both a diagnosis and ongoing evaluation and management from a dermatology specialist is critical. You can schedule a consultation in Reading today by calling 610-320-0200.
What causes eczema to flare up?
Flare-ups can be triggered by a number of different factors, and each individual may have their own specific triggers. Some of the common environmental triggers we see include:
- Fragrance in products
- Soaps and detergents
- Common allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust
- Stress
- Extremely hot or cold temperatures
- Low humidity (i.e. when using indoor heaters)
- Bacterial or viral infections
Identifying your personal triggers is an important step, and then avoiding them can significantly reduce flare-ups.
What is the root cause of eczema?
The exact cause of eczema is not fully understood, but it’s believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. When your skin barrier is compromised, this may allow moisture to escape and irritants to enter, leading to inflammation and itching.
What soap is best for eczema?
When choosing soap for eczema-prone skin, find something mild and fragrance-free—preferably a pH balanced gentle cleanser, rather than a soap. Avoid antibacterial soaps, which tend to strip the natural oils in the skin and promote dryness. Brands like Cetaphil, Dove Sensitive Skin, and Aveeno are commonly recommended for eczema, but you should always patch-test new products before trusting that they are safe for your eczema-prone skin.
Is eczema caused by bacteria or fungus?
Eczema itself is not caused by bacteria or fungus, but the compromised skin barrier makes people who have eczema more susceptible to skin infections.
Further, if you have a viral or bacterial infection, such as the flu or pneumonia, then that could trigger a flare-up.
What does eczema look like?
Eczema can look like dry, scaly patches that are rough and flaky. Some people develop discoloration, so it may appear red to brownish-gray. You may experience thickened, cracked skin over time if you have scratched your eczema. And small, raised bumps are also possible.
Eczema commonly affects areas like the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, and the bend of elbows and knees.
Are you looking for expert dermatological care?
If you have more questions or are ready to establish care with a dermatology professional in Reading, we invite you to schedule an appointment with one of our providers by calling 610-320-0200 or booking an appointment through our website.
