If you are dealing with red, itchy, inflamed skin that keeps coming back, you may have eczema. Eczema treatment in Oakland is available at CityHealth’s dermatology clinic in Montclair Village — every Wednesday. Our board-certified dermatology team treats all forms of eczema, from mild dryness to severe flare-ups that disrupt daily life. This guide covers what eczema is, what triggers it, and the full range of treatments available.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a group of conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed, itchy, and irritated. The most common form is atopic dermatitis, but contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and nummular eczema are also frequent. It is not contagious — you cannot catch it from another person.
Eczema affects more than 31 million Americans. It can appear in infancy and persist into adulthood, or it can develop for the first time in adult life. It often occurs alongside asthma, hay fever, and food allergies.
CityHealth’s dermatology clinic in Oakland (Montclair Village) is open every Wednesday. Book your eczema consultation today.
Types of Eczema We Treat at CityHealth Oakland
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It is a chronic condition tied to an overactive immune response. The skin barrier does not work properly, making it dry, sensitive, and prone to infection. Flare-ups are triggered by allergens, stress, temperature changes, and certain fabrics or detergents.
Symptoms include:
- Intense itching, especially at night
- Dry, scaly patches — often on the face, neck, elbows, and knees
- Thickened or leathery skin from repeated scratching
- Small, raised bumps that may weep fluid
- Raw, swollen skin after scratching
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an eczema reaction triggered by direct contact with an irritant or allergen. There are two types:
- Irritant contact dermatitis — caused by repeated exposure to harsh substances like soaps, cleaning products, or chemicals
- Allergic contact dermatitis — caused by an immune reaction to an allergen such as nickel (in jewelry), fragrances, latex, or poison ivy
The rash typically appears where the skin touched the triggering substance. A patch test, performed by a dermatologist, can identify exactly which allergens are causing your reaction.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema causes small, intensely itchy blisters to form on the palms, fingers, and soles of the feet. It flares with stress, sweating, and contact with metals like nickel and cobalt. It is more common in people with hay fever or allergic asthma.
Nummular Eczema
Nummular eczema creates coin-shaped patches of irritated skin that can be difficult to distinguish from ringworm. It is often triggered by dry skin, insect bites, or chemical irritants.
Common Eczema Triggers
Identifying and managing your triggers is one of the most important parts of eczema treatment in Oakland and anywhere else. Common triggers include:
- Dry skin — the most universal trigger; skin that loses moisture is more vulnerable to flares
- Soaps and detergents — fragranced or antibacterial products strip natural oils
- Synthetic fabrics — polyester and wool can irritate sensitive skin
- Sweat — especially during exercise or in hot weather
- Stress — emotional stress triggers immune activity that worsens inflammation
- Pet dander and dust mites — airborne allergens that worsen atopic dermatitis
- Food allergens — milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, and wheat in some children
- Temperature extremes — cold, dry air and sudden heat both cause flares
A dermatologist at CityHealth Oakland can help you track and identify your personal triggers through a thorough history and, if needed, allergy testing.
Eczema Treatment Options at CityHealth Oakland
There is no cure for eczema, but it can be effectively managed. Treatment is usually a combination of daily skin care and medication when needed. Here is what we offer at our eczema treatment clinic in Oakland.
Moisturizers and Emollients
Daily moisturizing is the foundation of eczema care. Keeping your skin barrier intact reduces the frequency and severity of flares. We recommend:
- Thick creams or ointments over thin lotions (lotions contain more water and can dry the skin)
- Fragrance-free, dye-free formulas
- Applying immediately after bathing, while skin is still slightly damp
- Ceramide-containing moisturizers that help rebuild the skin barrier
Topical Corticosteroids
Topical steroids are the most commonly prescribed treatment for eczema flares. They reduce inflammation and itching quickly. Steroids come in many strengths — from mild (hydrocortisone 1%) to very potent (clobetasol). Your dermatologist will choose the right strength based on the severity of your eczema and the location on your body.
Steroids should be used only during flares — not as daily maintenance — to avoid thinning of the skin over time.
Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors (TCIs)
Calcineurin inhibitors — such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) — are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams. They are especially useful for:
- Sensitive areas like the face, neck, and skin folds where steroids can cause more side effects
- Long-term maintenance therapy to prevent flares
- Patients who have not responded well to steroids
TCIs work by blocking the immune response that causes eczema inflammation without affecting the skin’s structure.
Topical PDE4 Inhibitors
Crisaborole (Eucrisa) is an FDA-approved non-steroidal ointment that reduces inflammation in mild-to-moderate eczema. It is approved for patients 3 months and older and is a good option for long-term management without steroid side effects.
Dupilumab (Dupixent): A Breakthrough for Moderate-to-Severe Eczema
Dupilumab (brand name Dupixent) is a biologic injectable medication that has changed the treatment landscape for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. It works by blocking two key proteins (IL-4 and IL-13) that drive the immune response in eczema.
Clinical trials show that dupilumab significantly reduces itching, clears skin, and improves quality of life in patients who have not responded to topical treatments. It is administered as an injection every 2–4 weeks, either in the clinic or at home after training.
Dupilumab is also approved for asthma, nasal polyps, and eosinophilic esophagitis — conditions that often coexist with severe eczema. Your CityHealth dermatologist will evaluate whether you are a good candidate.
Other Systemic Treatments
For patients with severe eczema that does not respond to topical treatments, additional options include:
- JAK inhibitors — newer oral medications (abrocitinib, upadacitinib) that reduce immune signaling
- Oral immunosuppressants — cyclosporine, methotrexate, or mycophenolate for short-term flare management
- Phototherapy (light therapy) — narrowband UVB therapy can reduce inflammation in widespread eczema
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) provides comprehensive treatment guidelines for atopic dermatitis, including evidence-based recommendations for when to escalate care.
Eczema in Children vs. Adults
Eczema often looks and behaves differently depending on age:
- Infants (0–2): Typically appears on the face, scalp, and outer limbs. Skin may be weepy and crusted.
- Children (2–12): Often shows up in skin folds — inside elbows, behind knees, around ankles and wrists.
- Adults: More common on hands, eyelids, and neck. Can also involve widespread body areas.
Many children outgrow eczema, but some carry it into adulthood. Adults who develop eczema for the first time later in life often have contact dermatitis rather than atopic dermatitis.
When to See a Dermatologist for Eczema in Oakland
You should book an appointment at CityHealth’s Oakland dermatology clinic if:
- Over-the-counter moisturizers and hydrocortisone are not controlling your symptoms
- Your eczema is affecting your sleep, work, or daily activities
- You have frequent skin infections from scratching
- You need prescription treatments like TCIs, dupilumab, or oral medications
- You are unsure whether your rash is eczema or something else
Our Oakland dermatology team also treats related skin conditions including psoriasis and rosacea — both of which can sometimes be confused with eczema.
CityHealth Oakland Dermatology: What to Expect
CityHealth’s dermatology clinic is located in Oakland’s Montclair Village neighborhood and is open every Wednesday. Here is what to expect at your visit:
- A thorough skin exam by a licensed dermatology provider
- Review of your eczema history, triggers, and past treatments
- A personalized treatment plan — from basic skin care to prescription medications
- Education on how to manage flares and maintain your skin barrier long-term
- Referral to an allergist if food or environmental allergy testing is appropriate
Our team also offers cosmetic dermatology services. See our cosmetic dermatologist near me page for more information on those services.
Book Eczema Treatment in Oakland at CityHealth
Do not let eczema control your life. CityHealth’s dermatology clinic in Oakland (Montclair Village) is open every Wednesday. We offer evidence-based eczema treatment — from moisturizers and topical steroids to dupilumab and beyond.
Book your eczema treatment appointment in Oakland today. Dermatology at CityHealth is available Wednesdays only at our Montclair Village, Oakland location.
