Board-Certified Dermatologist | 34+ Years Experience
Eczema is a group of inflammatory skin conditions that can cause dry, itchy, irritated, or inflamed skin. Symptoms can come and go and may vary in appearance depending on the type of eczema, the location affected, and the individual's skin tone.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized evaluation and treatment for eczema in Washington, DC. As a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience and a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's symptoms, skin characteristics, triggers, and individual concerns when developing a treatment plan.
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Eczema is a group of conditions that can cause dry, itchy, inflamed, or irritated skin. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema.
Eczema can affect people of all ages and may occur on different areas of the body. Symptoms can improve and then return, sometimes in response to environmental or personal triggers.
Eczema can appear differently depending on the person's skin tone, age, and type of eczema.
Common symptoms may include:
On darker skin, eczema-related inflammation may appear brown, purple, gray, or darker than the surrounding skin rather than appearing distinctly red.
Atopic dermatitis is a common form of eczema associated with dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It can begin during childhood but may also affect adults.
Contact dermatitis develops when the skin reacts to an irritant or allergen. Symptoms may develop after exposure to products, materials, or substances that irritate or trigger the skin.
Nummular eczema can cause round or coin-shaped areas of irritated, dry, or scaly skin.
Other types of eczema can affect different areas of the body and may have different triggers and symptoms.
A dermatologist can help determine which type of eczema may be contributing to your symptoms.
Eczema can develop from a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors.
People with eczema may have a skin barrier that does not function as effectively, making the skin more susceptible to dryness and irritation.
Factors that may contribute to eczema symptoms include:
Triggers vary from person to person.
Eczema symptoms can sometimes worsen in response to certain triggers.
Common triggers may include:
Identifying personal triggers may help reduce recurring flares.
Eczema can affect people of every skin tone, but the appearance of inflammation may differ.
On darker skin, redness can be less noticeable. Eczema may instead appear as brown, purple, gray, or darker areas of discoloration. Repeated inflammation can also leave behind areas of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Dr. Holmes considers skin tone and individual skin characteristics when evaluating eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
Consider scheduling a dermatology evaluation if you experience:
A dermatologist can help determine whether eczema is responsible for your symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment approach.
Eczema is generally diagnosed through a dermatologic examination and discussion of your symptoms and medical history.
Dr. Holmes may consider:
Because several skin conditions can resemble eczema, a dermatologic evaluation can help determine the most appropriate diagnosis.
Treatment for eczema depends on the type, severity, location, symptoms, and individual needs of the patient.
Depending on your situation, treatment may include:
Dr. Holmes will evaluate your skin and recommend an individualized treatment plan based on your symptoms, skin characteristics, and treatment goals.
Eczema often requires ongoing management rather than a single treatment.
Depending on your individual situation, helpful strategies may include:
Identifying and managing personal triggers may also help reduce the frequency or severity of flares.
Eczema and dermatitis are closely related terms and are sometimes used interchangeably.
Dermatitis is a broader term for inflammation of the skin, while eczema generally refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis.
Because different types of dermatitis and eczema can have overlapping symptoms, a dermatologist can help determine the specific condition affecting your skin.
Learn more about Dermatitis Treatment →
Eczema and psoriasis can both cause dry, scaly, irritated skin, but they are different conditions.
Their appearance, location, symptoms, and patterns can vary, and some cases may be difficult to distinguish without a dermatologic examination.
If you're experiencing persistent or recurring scaly or inflamed skin, a dermatologist can help determine whether eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, or another condition may be responsible.
Learn more about Psoriasis Treatment →
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Board-Certified Dermatologist
with 34+ years of experience
Comprehensive Evaluation
for eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions
Individualized Treatment Plans
based on your symptoms, triggers, and skin characteristics
Experience with All Skin Types
including patients with skin of color
Convenient Location
1737 20th Street NW, Washington, DC
Recognized
2025 Best Dermatologist in Dupont Circle
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides individualized evaluation and treatment for eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. Dr. Holmes considers each patient's symptoms, skin characteristics, triggers, and treatment goals when developing a treatment plan.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers how inflammatory skin conditions may present differently across skin tones.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
If you're experiencing persistent itching, dryness, irritation, or recurring areas of inflamed or discolored skin, a dermatology evaluation can help determine whether eczema may be contributing to your symptoms and what treatment options may be appropriate.
Schedule an Eczema Consultation in Washington, DC
