Managing Atopic Dermatitis and Truncal Acne: A Case Report from Houston Dermatology Practice
At Reena Jogi MD, serving patients in Katy, Texas and Houston, Texas, we often see patients who are managing multiple chronic skin conditions at the same time. Today, we share the case of a 41-year-old female patient who presented for follow-up care of both atopic dermatitis (eczema) and acne on the trunk. Her treatment journey highlights the importance of individualized dermatologic care and ongoing management.
Case Presentation
The patient first visited in January 2025 for evaluation of eczema lesions around the ankles and feet, along with persistent acne on the back and chest. At that time, she began a treatment regimen including:
Intralesional Kenalog injections for targeted eczema lesions
Vtama 1% topical cream applied daily for eczema flares
Doxycycline 100 mg oral antibiotic, taken twice daily for acne
Plexion cleanser for the trunk
Tretinoin 0.1% topical cream applied nightly to the back
Ongoing chemical peel treatments for truncal acne
At follow-up, the patient reported that her eczema remained flared with new lesions appearing on the ankles and dorsal feet. She requested repeat intralesional steroid injections, which were administered to 13 areas. She was also counseled on eczema skin care, including daily moisturization, gentle cleansers, and avoiding irritants.
Her acne was stable with current therapy, but she continues to take oral antibiotics as needed and use her topical regimen. Counseling reinforced the importance of patience with acne treatment, as improvements often take 2–3 months to become noticeable.
Dermatology Insights
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that often flares with stress, weather changes, scented products, and skin infections. Management may involve:
Intralesional steroids (Kenalog injections) for resistant lesions
Non-steroid topical therapies like Vtama
Moisturizers and barrier repair with fragrance-free emollients
Avoidance of known triggers
This patient’s case demonstrates that even with good adherence, eczema flares may recur, making long-term management and patient education essential.
Truncal Acne
Unlike facial acne, acne on the back and chest can be more persistent and harder to treat. Effective treatment often requires:
Topical retinoids (like tretinoin)
Antibiotic cleansers (like Plexion wash)
Oral antibiotics for inflammatory flares
Adjunct treatments such as chemical peels or laser therapy
The patient’s regimen, including a combination of oral and topical treatments, helped stabilize her acne, preventing further scarring.
Takeaway
This case emphasizes the importance of personalized dermatology care when treating patients with multiple skin conditions. For patients in Katy and Houston, Texas, our dermatology team at Reena Jogi MD provides a range of options—from advanced medications like Vtama for eczema to comprehensive acne therapies including oral antibiotics, topical retinoids, and chemical peels.
If you are struggling with eczema, acne, or both, schedule a consultation with Dr. Reena Jogi in Houston or Katy, Texas to explore the best treatment options for your skin.
