Yes. Dermatologists treat eczema (atopic dermatitis) in babies, children and teens as well as adults, and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that dermatologists care for people of all ages. Many families start with their pediatrician, who can treat mild eczema, then see a dermatologist when eczema is moderate or severe, keeps flaring, disrupts sleep or isn't getting better. Whether you need a referral depends on your insurance plan.
Here is how pediatricians and dermatologists fit together, how to check referral rules, and the signs that it's time to book.
Short answer: yes, dermatologists treat eczema in infants, children and teens
Eczema often starts in early childhood, and dermatologists see it in every age group, from infants to teens. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in skin, hair and nails, so eczema is a core part of the work.
What a dermatologist can do for a child with eczema:
- Confirm the diagnosis. Several common childhood rashes look like eczema, and some children have more than one at once.
- Build a daily routine for bathing, moisturizing and avoiding triggers that fits your family's schedule.
- Prescribe and manage medicine. The AAD notes that dermatologists have experience treating patients with a variety of corticosteroids, and can guide the rest of the plan, such as skin care and avoiding triggers.
- Treat complications, such as skin infections, which happen more easily in skin that is cracked or scratched.
- Discuss options for more severe eczema. For children with moderate to severe eczema, there are prescription treatments beyond creams, and a dermatologist can explain whether any make sense for your child.
For many children, eczema becomes milder as they grow, though it can come and go along the way.
Pediatrician first or dermatologist? How the two work together
Your child's pediatrician is often the first stop, and that makes sense. Pediatricians know your child's overall health, can treat mild eczema, and can answer questions about related issues such as food allergies or asthma. For mild eczema, the AAD advises talking with your child's pediatrician before using over-the-counter eczema medicine.
A dermatologist adds focused skin expertise when:
- Eczema is moderate or severe, or over-the-counter care isn't enough
- The diagnosis isn't clear
- Flares keep returning despite a good routine
- Your child needs a longer-term plan
Many children see both. The pediatrician continues routine care, and the dermatologist helps manage the eczema plan. Keep both doctors in the loop by bringing notes from one visit to the next, along with a list of treatments your child has tried.
One caution: don't remove foods from your child's diet to treat eczema without talking to your pediatrician first.
Do you need a referral? It depends on your plan
Some insurance plans require a referral from your child's primary care doctor before a specialist visit, and others don't. HealthCare.gov explains that HMO plans generally require a referral to see anyone other than your main doctor, and that point-of-service (POS) plans require one to see a specialist. If a required referral is missing, the plan may not cover the visit.
To find out what your child's plan requires:
- Check the insurance card for the plan type and the member services phone number
- Call member services and ask whether your child needs a referral to see a dermatologist, and whether it must be on file before the visit
- Ask whether the dermatologist you've chosen is in network
- If a referral is needed, ask your pediatrician's office to send it before the appointment
Bay Ridge Dermatology accepts most insurances, including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United, Oxford, Empire and Humana. Coverage and referral rules depend on your specific plan, so check with your insurer or call the office if you're unsure. Our insurance page has more details.
Bay Ridge Dermatology sees patients of all ages, including infants with eczema
Bay Ridge Dermatology sees patients of all ages, pediatric through geriatric, and treats eczema and atopic dermatitis in infants, children, teens and adults as part of its medical dermatology care. The practice's clinicians include Dr. Evangeline Perez, a board-certified dermatologist with more than 20 years of experience, and two physician assistants. Mandarin and Cantonese care is available with Kerry Ly, PA-C; ask for her when booking.
The office is at 515 84th Street, 1st Floor, for families in Bay Ridge and nearby Dyker Heights, Fort Hamilton, Sunset Park and Bensonhurst.
What to bring to your child's first visit:
- Photos of the rash on a bad day
- A list of every product used on your child's skin, or photos of the labels
- Every eczema treatment tried, how often it was used and for how long
- Notes from the pediatrician, plus a referral if your plan needs one
- Your questions, and for older kids, their own questions too
Our new patient page has forms and more on what to expect. Many children do well with a steady plan, though flares can still happen, and individual results vary.
Signs it's time for a dermatologist
Book a dermatology visit if your child has:
- Itch that wakes them at night or keeps them from falling asleep
- Frequent flares, or eczema that never fully settles
- No improvement after a few weeks of gentle skin care and the treatment the pediatrician suggested
- Eczema covering large areas, or stubborn patches on the face, hands or diaper area
- A rash you aren't sure is eczema
- Eczema that's affecting school, sports, mood or the family's sleep
- Questions about using steroid creams safely
Call your child's dermatologist or pediatrician promptly for signs of infection, such as yellow or honey-colored crusts, pus, oozing that's increasing, or spreading redness and warmth. Get medical care right away if your child has a fever or seems unwell along with the rash, or if clusters of painful blisters or open sores appear suddenly. The AAD notes these can be signs of a serious infection. For a young infant, any fever is a reason to call your pediatrician right away.
If eczema is wearing on your child, or on everyone's sleep, we're glad to help you build a plan. You can book online or call (347) 497-4984.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For advice about your own skin, see a dermatologist.