Integrative Treatment for Chronic Eczema
Physician-led dermatology care for patients with chronic, persistent, or treatment-resistant eczema.
This page is designed for people seeking a deeper understanding of what is driving their eczema and a comprehensive strategy to support long-term skin stability.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, sensitive skin, itching, redness, and recurrent flares. It develops when the skin barrier becomes weakened and the immune system becomes overly reactive to environmental and internal triggers.
When the skin barrier is impaired, moisture escapes more easily and irritants, allergens, and microbes can penetrate the skin. This leads to inflammation, itching, and the familiar cycle of irritation and scratching that worsens eczema symptoms.
Eczema often follows a pattern of improvement and flare-ups, and in many individuals the condition is influenced by multiple factors including genetics, immune function, the skin microbiome, environmental exposures, and stress.
Why Eczema Develops
Eczema is not caused by a single factor. Instead, it reflects the interaction of several biological processes.
Barrier dysfunction
The outer layer of the skin does not hold moisture effectively, making skin dry and vulnerable to irritation.
Immune dysregulation
The immune system becomes over-reactive, leading to chronic inflammation and itching.
Skin microbiome imbalance
Changes in the skin microbiome, including increases and decreases in specific microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus, can worsen inflammation and barrier disruption.
Environmental triggers
Irritants, allergens, stress, and climate can activate inflammatory pathways and trigger eczema flares.
Common Triggers for Eczema Flares
Eczema symptoms often worsen when specific triggers activate the skin's immune and inflammatory pathways.
Common triggers include:
dry or cold environments
fragrances and skincare irritants
food sensitivities in some individuals
infection or microbiome imbalance
harsh soaps or detergents
dust mites and environmental allergens
psychological stress
sleep disruption and systemic inflammation
Identifying and addressing individual triggers is often an important part of long-term eczema management.
Dr. Larivee provides care for patients with complex or treatment-resistant eczema. Rather than focusing only on symptom suppression, care focuses on understanding the biological factors contributing to persistent inflammation and skin barrier dysfunction.
Treatment plans are individualized based on disease severity, prior treatment response, and the patient's overall health. Approaches may include:
01
Clinical evaluation
Review of eczema history, triggers, and prior treatments.
02
Skin barrier restoration
Strategies that support hydration, barrier repair, and skin resilience.
03
Microbiome support
Address microbial factors contributing to inflammation.
04
Immune regulation
Evidence-informed therapies to calm inflammatory pathways.
05
Long-term skin stability
Focus on reducing flare cycles and supporting durable control.
This care model may be appropriate for patients who:
have chronic or persistent eczema that has not fully resolved
experience frequent flares or ongoing worsening of symptoms
have not achieved long-term stability with conventional care
want a physician-guided and integrative approach to treatment
are seeking a deeper understanding of what is driving their condition
This practice focuses on complex inflammatory skin conditions and may not be appropriate for urgent dermatologic care.
