Which specialist treats atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause itchy, dry, cracked, or discoloured areas. A dermatologist checks the appearance and distribution of the rash, asks about triggers and sleep, and considers whether infection or another condition resembles eczema. Children may also be managed with a paediatrician, while an allergist can help when a specific allergy question remains.

Treatment is adjusted to the body area, age, skin thickness, flare severity, and response. The plan may combine moisturising, prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines, trigger reduction, and specialist options such as wet-wrap therapy.

Bring a list of products and medicines, note when flares occur, and photograph a rash if it changes before the visit. Tell the dermatologist about itching that worsens at night, broken skin, sleep disruption, or treatments that irritated you. Use fragrance-free moisturiser regularly and avoid scratching while waiting for assessment.

Seek prompt review when the rash becomes painful, warm, rapidly swollen, crusted, or oozing. Urgent assessment is needed for clusters of small blisters, fever, eye involvement, or rapidly spreading painful sores, because infection can require specific treatment. Facial swelling or breathing difficulty needs emergency care.

Ask: Does this look like atopic dermatitis? What should I use during a flare and between flares? Which ingredients or habits may worsen it? How should I care for cracked skin? When should I consider wet-wrap therapy or another specialist?