Open communication with your doctors is essential to ensure you receive the care you need for your eczema. Research shows that shared decision-making and good communication with your healthcare team can make it easier to stick to your treatment plan. In shared decision-making, you and your dermatologist work together to determine treatment options that take your preferences, goals, and values into consideration.

Many MyEczemaTeam members struggle to communicate with their healthcare providers, with one member asking, “How did you get your dermatologist to listen to you and take you seriously?”

Here are some ways you can talk to your doctor more easily and get results that may improve your skin condition. If you’re wondering what to ask a doctor about eczema or what to say, there are also some conversation starters for you.

1. Express How Eczema Affects Your Life

Everyone’s experience with eczema is unique. Let your doctor know how the skin disease affects you physically and emotionally. Describe how avoiding eczema triggers and having eczema flare-ups disrupt your work or social life, and how they affect your mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression are linked to eczema inflammation, so your doctor needs to understand how you experience these symptoms.

MyEczemaTeam members have shared how eczema disrupts their daily activities. “Most of the time, I just stay home due to lack of sleep or finding clothes I can wear that are OK for going out in public,” a member said. “Dealing with my atopic dermatitis has sort of taken over my life.”

Another member wrote, “It’s an overwhelming disorder to have to live with, and it impacts every aspect of our lives.”

Severe eczema can affect your lifestyle in many ways. Symptoms like dry skin and itchiness, as well as the need to avoid skin irritants and allergens (like some soaps or detergents), may curtail activities you would like to enjoy. By communicating honestly with your doctor, you may get the help you need to improve your quality of life.

Start the Conversation

Because your doctor may not broach the topic of daily disruptions due to eczema, here are some examples of what you might say to prompt the discussion:

• “I’d like to discuss how I can get help with the emotional stress I’ve been feeling.”
• “I’m uncomfortable seeing friends because of my eczema. How can I work on that?”
• “I’d like to get more exercise, but sweat irritates my eczema. What’s your advice?”
• “I’m worried that intimacy has become uncomfortable. What can I do about that?”

Don’t avoid topics that may seem embarrassing. Your doctor’s job is to help you feel better and to treat you with respect. Make notes about any physical or emotional issues that disrupt your life. Then, you can have a conversation with your doctor at your next visit.

2. Discuss Your Feelings About Eczema Treatment

Are you happy with your eczema treatment? Talking about treatment satisfaction is one of the most important ways you and your doctor can make sure you have an effective treatment plan that you’ll stick with. Carefully explain what is and isn’t working in your current treatment.

For example, you may feel that your topical skin care treatment is too complicated, time-consuming, and difficult to manage with your other responsibilities. You may be experiencing unpleasant side effects or persistent itchy skin.

Start the Conversation

Let your doctor know if you’re not getting the results you want. Is your skin clearing? Are you frustrated with the condition of your skin? Here are some conversation starters you can try with your doctor:

• “I’m finding my skin care regimen is too hard to keep up with. What are my options?”
• “I need more help controlling itching. Are there adjustments to my treatment plan we could make?”
• “What can I do to have clearer skin?”
• “Are there over-the-counter lotions or cleansers I could try?”
• “What should my realistic expectations be?”

Ask specific questions that will inform your doctor of your exact concerns.

3. Ask About Your Eczema Treatment Options

Talk with your doctor about ongoing medical advances and new eczema treatments. Ask about new medications and what their benefits and drawbacks might be. In recent years, there’s been progress in treating eczema with systemic drugs. These work by moderating issues with the immune system, which plays a central role in eczema. However, topical medications are often a first-line treatment for many people living with eczema.

Some biologic drugs have been approved for the treatment of eczema. These medications may provide relief from eczema symptoms when other topical treatments like corticosteroids, moisturizers, ointments, and creams haven’t worked effectively. Biologics are typically injectable drugs that work by targeting overactive cells in the immune system.

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are a class of drugs that block the pathways of overactive signals in the immune system associated with inflammation. These drugs were originally approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. JAK inhibitors are now available for eczema.

Talk to your doctor about the benefits and drawbacks of treatment options. Ask how quickly results can be achieved with these medications and if the effects are long-lasting. Because of the potential for both minor and major side effects, talk about what you should expect if you start a new treatment. You can also discuss the possibility of participating in clinical trials — research studies that examine new drugs.

Start the Conversation

Here are some ways you can initiate a conversation about treatment options:

• “Are topical treatments working well enough for my type of eczema, or should we explore some other options?”
• “I’d like to know your opinion on biologics and JAK inhibitors for treating eczema.”
• “What do doctors recommend for eczema like mine?”
• “I would be interested in exploring newer treatment options for my eczema.”
• “Would I be a good candidate for treatment with a biologic or a JAK inhibitor?”
• “Do you think there are any new treatments or prescriptions I should try?”

More Ideas for Talking to Your Doctor

Planning your conversation with your dermatology provider will help you communicate more effectively and get more out of your appointments. You’ll also be better prepared to raise questions and concerns. Here are some additional tips for having a meaningful and productive conversation with your doctor:

• Write down your concerns in a notebook before your appointment, and take notes when you talk with your doctor.
• Be open and honest with your doctor.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions at any point during an appointment, and always let your doctor know if you have concerns about treatment options.
• Bring a friend or family member with you to take notes and ask questions.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyEczemaTeam, people share their experiences with eczema, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What would you change about your conversations with your healthcare provider about your eczema? Let others know in the comments below.