can you treat eczema with isotretinoin

Eczema is usually not treated with isotretinoin. The medications for eczema are usually steroids, moisturizers, and anti-inflammatory creams. Isotretinoin is commonly used for acne.

can you tattoo over eczema

The common recommendation is to avoid any skin irritation over areas with eczema, and that includes tattoos. Tattooing over eczema is not recommended due to the possibility of causing further skin damage.

What is eczema and what causes it?

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition where the skin barrier doesn't function properly, making it prone to dryness, irritation, and flares. The exact cause involves a combination of genetic factors (particularly mutations in the filaggrin gene) and an overactive immune response. Environmental triggers like soaps, detergents, sweat, pet dander, and temperature changes can provoke flares. It's not contagious and it's not caused by poor hygiene.

What's the difference between eczema and psoriasis?

Both cause red, inflamed, itchy skin, but they're distinct conditions with different underlying mechanisms and treatments. Eczema is driven by a dysfunctional skin barrier and an allergic-type immune response, usually starting in childhood. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where skin cells turn over too rapidly, creating thick, scaly plaques. Eczema tends to appear in skin folds (inner elbows, backs of knees), while psoriasis more commonly appears on elbows, knees, and the scalp. A dermatologist can distinguish them on examination.

There's currently no cure for eczema, but it can be managed effectively. Many children improve or outgrow it by adulthood. For those who don't, treatment can reduce flares significantly and keep skin comfortable. Options range from daily moisturizing and trigger avoidance to prescription topical corticosteroids, non-steroidal topicals like crisaborole or tacrolimus, dupilumab (a biologic injection), and newer oral JAK inhibitors. With the right plan, most patients achieve good long-term control.

What triggers eczema flares?

Common triggers include harsh soaps and detergents, fragrances, wool or synthetic fabrics, extreme temperatures, sweating, stress, certain foods (especially in children), dust mites, pet dander, and mold. Triggers vary between individuals. Keeping a simple diary of flares and what preceded them can help identify your personal triggers. Patch testing with a dermatologist can confirm contact allergen triggers if the pattern is unclear.

When should I see a dermatologist for eczema?

See a dermatologist if your eczema is affecting sleep or daily activity, if over-the-counter moisturizers and mild hydrocortisone aren't controlling it, if you're having frequent flares, if the skin looks infected (yellow crusting, warmth, spreading redness), or if you've never had a formal diagnosis. A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis, identify your triggers, and build a treatment plan that goes beyond what's available without a prescription.

Do you treat children with eczema?

Yes. We treat eczema in infants, children, and teens, favoring safe, low-potency options for young skin, with non-steroidal treatments and dupilumab available for chronic cases.

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Medical Dermatology

Soothe eczema and restore your skin’s natural strength

For eczema that keeps flaring back. Our dermatologists find what is setting it off and match the treatment to the cause, from barrier repair to biologics, for both adults and children.

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On This Page

Quick Facts

At a Glance

Condition

Chronic inflammatory skin condition with itching, dryness, and rash

Common Types

Atopic, contact, dyshidrotic, nummular, and seborrheic

Provider

Dr. David Biro, MD, PhD, board-certified dermatologist

Diagnosis

In-office skin evaluation combined with patient and trigger history

Treatments

Topical steroids, biologics like dupilumab , barrier repair, and trigger avoidance

When to Seek Care

Persistent itch, sleep disruption, signs of infection, or treatment plateau

Find Your Path

Is Your Eczema a Match for kalon Care?

Match your eczema concern to the right kalon care pathway

My skin itches so badly I can't sleepSevere nighttime itching can signal flare control issues. Prescription topicals, antihistamines, and barrier repair often resolve sleep-disrupting itch within weeks.

Over-the-counter creams aren't working anymoreOTC plateau is common in moderate-to-severe eczema. Dermatologist-prescribed topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or biologics open up stronger options.

My eczema flares every winterWinter flares come from low humidity and indoor heat. Daily emollients, humidifiers, and a winter-adjusted topical plan can prevent flare cycles.

My child has eczema and I'm worried about long-term steroid useShort courses of low-potency steroids are safe for most pediatric cases. Non-steroidal options like calcineurin inhibitors and dupilumab are available for chronic management.

My eczema patches get infected, what should I doHoney-colored crusting or weeping signals bacterial infection. A dermatology visit can confirm and prescribe targeted antibiotics plus an anti-inflammatory plan.

Is dupilumab right for meDupilumab works well for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis that hasn't responded to topicals. Candidacy is determined by exam, history, and prior treatment response.

This Concern Match is informational, not medical advice. Eczema presentation, severity, and treatment response vary by individual. Schedule a dermatology consultation for diagnosis and a personalized plan.

Eczema

Eczema for Brooklyn and Staten Island residents is not an uncommon skin condition. It can affect individuals of all ages, though it often first appears during infancy or childhood. At kalon Dermatology, we understand the challenges of managing eczema and offer personalized treatment plans to effectively address the needs of those in Brooklyn and Staten Island .

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a general medical term used to describe irritated, inflamed, and itchy skin . It’s a common condition that comes in many types and causes varying symptoms.

You can develop eczema at any age, but it usually first appears during infancy or childhood. The skin condition may come and go, but it’s a chronic skin disease. People with a history of hay fever or asthma are more likely to have eczema.

Treatment for eczema focuses on reducing flare-ups. At kalon Dermatology, we focus on helping our patients from Brooklyn and Staten Island manage their eczema effectively through personalized treatment plans.

What Are Some of the Common Types of Eczema?

Eczema types have different triggers and symptoms. Here is a list of the common types of eczema.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a long-term skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and scaly skin. This type develops when there’s a breakdown in your skin’s barrier function, making it more sensitive to outside elements.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis causes a red, itchy rash after your skin comes in contact with an allergen or irritant. Poison ivy is a type of contact dermatitis.

Dyshidrotic eczema

People with dyshidrotic eczema develop blisters and itchy skin. Researchers theorize that this type of eczema results from allergies or stress.

Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis, also called lichen simplex chronicus, causes a cycle of itching and scratching on a patch of skin. The itch is intense, making it hard to stop scratching.

Nummular eczema

Nummular eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes coin-shaped welts on the skin that ooze fluid. Allergies, skin infections , and dry skin may cause this type of eczema.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis causes dry, flaky skin on the scalp, leading to dandruff.

When creams stop working, we go further

At kalon Dermatology , our team of experts performs thorough evaluations to accurately diagnose the type of eczema you have. We may conduct a skin biopsy or allergy tests to identify the cause of your flare-ups and develop the most effective treatment plan.

For moderate to severe eczema that has not responded to topicals, your dermatologist can move past stronger steroids to non-steroidal options like calcineurin inhibitors, the biologic dupilumab, and newer oral treatments, matched to your history and how your skin has responded before.

What Are the Treatments For Eczema?

kalon Dermatology takes an individualized approach to skin care, customizing your eczema plan based on type and severity of symptoms. Treatment may include:

Corticosteroid creams
Antibiotics for bacterial infections
Antihistamines for allergies
Topical calcineurin inhibitors to improve skin barrier function
Phototherapy
Regular warm baths
Daily skin moisturizing
Using mild soaps and detergents

Your provider also talks to you about your eczema triggers and the steps you can take to avoid them.

If you are seeking effective eczema treatment for Brooklyn and Staten Island, kalon Dermatology is here to help. To determine the best approach to care, call kalon Dermatology or schedule your eczema appointment online today.

Patient Reviews

What Our Patients Say

Excellent doctor, excellent stuff. I recommend this office to my relatives and friends.

Alexander S.

Google Review

I’ve been to multiple Dermatology offices to help me with my skin concern. There is no one else I’d trust more now that I’ve been to Kalon Dermatology. The staff is polite and caring. The team took the time to go over all my treatment options and I’ve finally found the help I needed. I highly recommend this Dermatology office and will be recommending and returning with my family.

Gabi D.

Google Review

Love the friendly staff and great doctors here. Highly recommend 10/10 great results

Laura C.

Google Review

Danny is a very good doctor. Very knowledgeable, caring and attentive.

crispy P.

Google Review

Loved my experience here. Such knowledgeable providers and have a good bed side manner. The office is beautiful and most importantly very clean.

Nelly K.

Google Review

This place is absolutely amazing! From the staff, to the reception area to the treatments. I see Danny bronshtein for my injections and my skincare needs. He’s very thorough and attentive and sweet to boot. Can’t recommend them enough!

elle G.

Google Review

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Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

: Eczema is usually not treated with isotretinoin. The medications for eczema are usually steroids, moisturizers, and anti-inflammatory creams. Isotretinoin is commonly used for acne.
: The common recommendation is to avoid any skin irritation over areas with eczema, and that includes tattoos. Tattooing over eczema is not recommended due to the possibility of causing further skin damage.
: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition where the skin barrier doesn't function properly, making it prone to dryness, irritation, and flares. The exact cause involves a combination of genetic factors (particularly mutations in the filaggrin gene) and an overactive immune response. Environmental triggers like soaps, detergents, sweat, pet dander, and temperature changes can provoke flares. It's not contagious and it's not caused by poor hygiene.
: Both cause red, inflamed, itchy skin, but they're distinct conditions with different underlying mechanisms and treatments. Eczema is driven by a dysfunctional skin barrier and an allergic-type immune response, usually starting in childhood. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where skin cells turn over too rapidly, creating thick, scaly plaques. Eczema tends to appear in skin folds (inner elbows, backs of knees), while psoriasis more commonly appears on elbows, knees, and the scalp. A dermatologist can distinguish them on examination.
: There's currently no cure for eczema, but it can be managed effectively. Many children improve or outgrow it by adulthood. For those who don't, treatment can reduce flares significantly and keep skin comfortable. Options range from daily moisturizing and trigger avoidance to prescription topical corticosteroids, non-steroidal topicals like crisaborole or tacrolimus, dupilumab (a biologic injection), and newer oral JAK inhibitors. With the right plan, most patients achieve good long-term control.
: Common triggers include harsh soaps and detergents, fragrances, wool or synthetic fabrics, extreme temperatures, sweating, stress, certain foods (especially in children), dust mites, pet dander, and mold. Triggers vary between individuals. Keeping a simple diary of flares and what preceded them can help identify your personal triggers. Patch testing with a dermatologist can confirm contact allergen triggers if the pattern is unclear.
: See a dermatologist if your eczema is affecting sleep or daily activity, if over-the-counter moisturizers and mild hydrocortisone aren't controlling it, if you're having frequent flares, if the skin looks infected (yellow crusting, warmth, spreading redness), or if you've never had a formal diagnosis. A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis, identify your triggers, and build a treatment plan that goes beyond what's available without a prescription.
: Yes. We treat eczema in infants, children, and teens, favoring safe, low-potency options for young skin, with non-steroidal treatments and dupilumab available for chronic cases.

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More than 75 years of combined dermatology and medical experience. Click any provider to read their background.

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Reviewed by David Biro, MD, PhD

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your individual needs.

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