Eczema Clinic
The Eczema Clinic at San Tan Allergy and Asthma is the first comprehensive eczema treatment clinic in Arizona. Our board certified physicians have extensive knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of eczema and have high rates of success in achieving disease response and sustained improvement. Because of the complexity involved in treating eczema, our expertise plays a critical part in monitoring and carefully adjusting the therapeutic approach to provide the best outcome for our patients.
We provide a comprehensive evaluation and therapies tailored to each patient’s individual needs. We also specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions often associated with eczema including contact dermatitis, viral and bacterial skin infections, food allergy, environmental allergy, and asthma.
The Eczema Clinic Services
- A partnership between the patient, family, and the eczema team
- Expertise in difficult to manage eczema and related diseases.
- In-depth one-on-one teaching including the application of wraps and topical medications
- If necessary, treatment with biologic agents such as Dupixent and Xolair targeting the immune system.
- Opportunities to participate in clinical research related to the treatment of eczema.
- Comprehensive testing and challenges where needed, including:
- Environmental skin testing
- Food allergy skin testing
- Chemical patch testing
- Skin Biopsies
- Food challenges
Educational Sessions
Lectures about the causes and treatment of eczema
Teaching sessions on skin care techniques
Review of new research findings
Question and answer sessions with a provider specializing in eczema management
What is Eczema?
Eczema is the most common skin condition, especially in children. It affects 1 in 5 infants but only around 1 in 50 adults. It is now thought to be due to “leakiness” of the skin barrier, which causes it to dry out and become prone to irritation and inflammation by many environmental factors. Also, some young children with eczema have a food sensitivity which can make eczema symptoms worse. In about half of patients with severe atopic dermatitis, the disease is due to inheritance of a faulty gene in their skin called filaggrin. Unlike with urticaria (hives), the itch of eczema is not only caused by histamine so anti-histamines may not control the symptoms. Eczema is often linked with asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or food allergy.
The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown, although the primary defect involves the skin barrier function. The disease tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component, and is associated with environmental allergies, food allergies, and asthma. It is often the first sign of allergy in children.
Atopic dermatitis is characterized by dry, cracked, and irritated skin that can be associated with intense, difficult to control itching. The itching can interfere with daily activities, including sleep, and significantly impacts quality of life.
Scratching can irritate the skin, further disrupt the skin barrier, and thus predispose patients to skin infections. When severe, atopic dermatitis can interfere with a child’s normal growth and development. Therefore, breaking the chronic itch-scratch cycle is integral to successfully treating atopic dermatitis.
The management of atopic dermatitis can be difficult and often requires intensive education and treatment to successfully control the disease. The Eczema Clinic at San Tan Allergy is dedicated to addressing the individual needs of each patient and providing patient and their families with the resources and education necessary to control this complex disease.
How is Eczema Treated?
The most important step in eczema treatment is restoration of moisture to dry skin and repair of the disrupted skin barrier. Therefore, the soak and seal method is the foundation of any eczema treatment regimen (link to soak and seal instructions/handout).
Mild – moderate forms of eczema can generally be treated effectively with the soak and seal method utilizing as needed topical prescription medications. These medications may include steroid creams or ointments, non-steroidal calcineurin antagonists (elidel, protopic) or a topical phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor (Eucrisa). In some cases, wet wrap therapy may also be recommended (link to wet wrap instructions).
Patients with more severe eczema may require treatment with systemic immunosuppressant medications or a biologic medication, Dupixent, which is a monthly injection. Patients can have specific triggers that may result in eczema exacerbations, including irritants, allergens, infections, and emotional factors. Assessment for and elimination of these potential triggers is also an important part of treatment at The Eczema Clinic at San Tan Allergy and Asthma.
Extensive Experience in Treating Eczema
All of the providers at San Tan Allergy & Asthma are prepared to manage even the most severe cases of eczema. Dr. Hill, and Dr. Shimamoto each completed fellowship programs in Allergy & Immunology at National Jewish Health Center, one of the leading eczema care centers in the country. They were fortunate to train with leading experts in their field and had involvement with various research studies. Currently, the providers at San Tan Allergy & Asthma are active in eczema research and have been involved in multiple eczema research trails. Our specialists work hard to find treatment for eczema so our patients can experience optimal relief.
San Tan Allergy & Asthma offers a variety of testing services and treatments for various allergic and immunological conditions. Our Gilbert allergy doctors can give you the proper allergy testing near Chandler to find the cause of your allergies, and our asthma doctors near Mesa can help give you the proper treatment for better respiratory function. We serve patients throughout the valley including Phoenix, Queen Creek, Tempe, and more. Contact our Gilbert allergy and asthma doctors to schedule an appointment today.
S Reed Shimamoto, MD, FAAP
Patient Testimonials
Staff is professional and always very friendly!
“ After allergy testing, Dr. Shimamoto explained the process and options of allergy injections and answered all my questions. I follow up with Heidi, who is also great! As of now, I’m still doing weekly injections and it’s been easy to get desired appointment day and times. I am happy that I chose San Tan Allergy!”
“Thank you for being Professional and Caring.”
Lisa Blaylock ★★★★★
“ Watch out for telemedicine appointments. Make sure you have pre-screened for them. Worked with Jackie over the phone. She is fantastic–super patient and professional. Had exam and skin tests ordered by Dr. Shimamoto. He’s happy and efficient. Great practice, just need to be patient with all the delays and possible miscommunications due to all the pandemic-imposed restrictions.”
E. M. ★★★★★
“ Everything was so nice. The reception in the front desk of the best. I didn’t have a appointment. And they look and got me one next day. Two girl in the other office were also so nice. My son goes there. I’m from El paso and I was very impressed. Thanks again.”
Rita Romo ★★★★★
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