What is Moderate to Severe Eczema?
Moderate to severe eczema goes beyond dry, itchy skin — the condition can affect your mental health and make it harder to work, sleep, or get through your day. More treatment options are available for moderate to severe eczema, making it easier to manage.
At a Glance: Moderate to Severe Eczema
- Eczema severity ranges from mild to severe, based on symptoms and how much they affect daily life. Moderate to severe eczema involves an overactive immune system (called Type 2 inflammation), not just dry skin.
- There’s no blood test for eczema severity. Healthcare providers rely on physical exams and symptom-based scoring tools to determine your level of severity.
- Treatment options range widely. Daily skin care like moisturizing is the foundation, with options ranging from topical medications to more advanced therapies like biologics, JAK inhibitors, and phototherapy for eczema that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
- Eczema can affect mental health as much as physical health. Anxiety and depression are more common in people with eczema. Constant itching and pain can take a real emotional toll.
- Infection is a serious risk with severe eczema. A damaged skin barrier lets germs in, so watching for signs of infection is an important part of treatment.
- Eczema often occurs alongside other conditions. These include asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, alopecia areata, chronic hives, and osteoporosis.
- There’s no cure for eczema, but understanding your triggers and following your treatment plan can help you manage and prevent flare-ups.
Eczema is a chronic disease that affects 31.6 million Americans. Of those, nearly 4 out of 10 adults have moderate to severe eczema and about 3 out of 10 children have moderate to severe eczema.
Eczema is actually a collection of seven different skin disorders. The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis (sometimes called atopic eczema). It is a skin condition that is often triggered by allergens or irritants, causing inflamed and sensitive skin. This can lead to itchy patches of skin with dryness, swelling, crusting, flaking, cracking and irritation. Symptoms tend to come and go. They can occur in different stages in some patients.
Eczema is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on its symptoms and impact on daily life.
- Mild eczema involves small patches of dry, itchy, and slightly inflamed skin in specific areas. It causes minimal interference with activities or sleep and is manageable with moisturizers or over-the-counter treatments.
- Moderate eczema involves larger areas of inflamed and itchy skin, often with flaking, thickening, or cracking. It can disrupt sleep or daily tasks, typically requiring prescription topical treatments and consistent care.
- Severe eczema involves widespread swelling and intense itching, sometimes leading to bleeding or secondary infections. It significantly affects quality of life, making it difficult to sleep or concentrate, and requires more advanced intensive therapies.
The severity of eczema can change over time, with flare-ups making symptoms worse. Diagnosis by a healthcare provider helps guide appropriate treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Severe Eczema?
Common eczema symptoms include:
- itchy skin
- dry skin
- inflamed skin or swollen skin
- redness on light skin; purple, brown or ashen gray in people of color
- flaking or cracking
- crusting on skin
- scaly skin
- thickened skin (lichenification)
- open oozing skin
- sensitive skin
People with severe eczema may experience any or all of these symptoms most days of the week.
Full-body eczema is when you have symptoms all over the body. Eczema symptoms can appear on:
- face
- eyelids and around the eyes
- lips
- ears
- neck
- scalp
- hands
- arms and elbows
- feet
- legs and behind the knees
- ankles
What does severe eczema feel like?
People with severe eczema (or severe atopic dermatitis) may experience periods of intense skin itching or burning sensation. They may even feel like they are being poked with needles. Those with the most severe forms may experience these symptoms daily.
How painful is severe eczema?
Some people may experience pain from eczema. It can stem from skin inflammation, the sensation of burning, stinging or throbbing, or an injury from scratching.
Not everyone with severe eczema has pain, though. For those who do have pain, it can be quite severe. They report it can be as high as 7 on a 0-10 scale.
What does severe eczema look like?
Symptoms of eczema vary among people. The skin may look red and inflamed, or purple, brown or ashen gray on people with darker skin tones. Some people may have patches of lighter skin (called hypopigmentation) or darker skin (called hyperpigmentation).
The skin may appear rough and scaly. You may see oozing and scabbing. While the skin may make a person look ill, it is important to remember that eczema is not contagious.
Does severe eczema on black skin or brown skin look different?
For people with darker pigmentation to their skin, eczema may be harder to identify. It may be harder to see the rough, scaly patches of skin. You may not notice any redness. Instead, you may see darker brown or even purplish or gray-appearing skin.
The website EczemaInSkinofColor.org is a great resource to see pictures of severe eczema in people of color
What is considered severe eczema?
There is no specific type of blood work or testing that measures the severity of someone’s eczema. Determining if someone has severe eczema largely involves:
- the percent of the body surface impacted;
- identifying and reporting symptoms
- the severity of those symptoms (thickening of the skin, oozing, crusting, infection);
- how frequently patients experience symptoms;
- patients’ ability to perform daily tasks (including sleep) and the degree of itching.
People with severe eczema may experience multiple symptoms daily that significantly impacts their quality of life.
If you feel like you are seeing signs of worsening eczema, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. Tools are available to better understand and assess the severity of your eczema.
What Causes Moderate to Severe Eczema?
The cause of moderate to severe eczema is the same as mild eczema:
- a family history of the condition; certain genes can predispose people to eczema
- a weakened skin barrier often due to a lack of the protein filaggrin in the skin; this can result in very dry skin
- exposure to triggers such as allergens and irritants.
However, people with moderate to severe eczema have a much more overactive immune system. This can lead to excess inflammation in the body – called Type 2 inflammation.
Type 2 inflammation is a key contributor to moderate to severe eczema. It is driven by proteins in the body that cause high levels of histamine (a chemical) and eosinophils (immune cells). This can contribute to severe skin inflammation, long-term symptoms, and even tissue damage if not well-managed.
Moderate to severe eczema can be worsened by environmental triggers, including:
- Allergens (pollen, mold, pet dander, food)
- Bacterial, viral or fungal infections
- Skin irritants such as chemicals in cleaning products
- Dust mites, mice, cockroaches and other household pests
- Hormones
- Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) and humidity
- Stress
- Tobacco smoke
People with other atopic conditions such as allergies or asthma are also more at risk for developing eczema.
Is severe eczema dangerous?
Severe eczema in and of itself is not dangerous. But the symptoms and side effects can be harmful in several ways. Eczema is known for the “itch scratch cycle.” Itching causes scratching, which causes inflammation, which causes more itching. And the more you itch, the more your skin gets irritated. It may crack and bleed and ooze. You can develop a weakened skin barrier where germs can get in and cause infection. If an infection spreads, it can be very dangerous, especially if you have a compromised immune system.
Another danger from eczema is its effect on mental health. Constant itching and even pain can affect a person’s appearance, ability to sleep, and ability to perform daily tasks. One survey found that 3 out of 10 people with eczema have been diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression.
Can stress cause severe eczema?
Stress is a common trigger for eczema flare-ups. Stress causes your body to produce more cortisol. An increase in cortisol can cause inflammation throughout the body. This includes skin inflammation. The eczema flare-up can lead to even more stress. Since stress and eczema are linked, finding ways to manage stress can help reduce flare-ups.
How is moderate to severe eczema diagnosed?
There are no specific tests to diagnose eczema. Healthcare providers will conduct a physical exam, review your family and health history, and evaluate your skin and review your symptoms. They may perform skin or patch testing to look for specific allergies that could trigger symptoms.
Similarly, there is no specific way to determine the severity of someone’s eczema. Rather, healthcare providers rely on tools to help determine the severity of symptoms. These tools include:
- Eczema Area and Severity Index (eEASI)
- SCOring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD)
- Investigator Global Assessment (IGA)
- Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM)
- Atopic Dermatitis Severity Index (ADSI)
- Body Surface Area (BSA)
- Six Area, Six Sign Atopic Dermatitis (SASSAD)
- Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale (Itch NRS)
These tools can help you and your healthcare provider understand your disease better and determine its severity.
What is the Treatment for Moderate to Severe Eczema?
Do you feel your symptoms are getting out of control? Medications can help adults, teenagers and children 6 months of age and older. Here are four keys to eczema treatment from the National Eczema Association (NEA):
1. Know your triggers
Identify what triggers your symptoms or makes your eczema worse. Then avoid those triggers when possible.
2. Develop a bathing and moisturizing routine
Bathe in lukewarm (not hot) water. Use gentle cleansers and avoid harsh soaps. Don’t allow your skin to fully dry before applying moisturizers and topical medications (if prescribed).
- You may also want to consider wet wrap therapy. This involves applying moisturizer or a topical medication to the skin after a bath, then wrapping the skin in a lukewarm, damp cloth or gauze. You can put light cotton clothing over the wraps and leave this on for a few hours or overnight. Wet wraps help medication absorb better, calm inflammation, and reduce itching. Talk to your doctor about how often to use wet wraps. Using them too often can increase steroid absorption or irritate hair follicles.
3. Use over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications as directed
Your healthcare provider may advise you to use OTC and/or prescription medications to help control your eczema.
These may include topical medicated ointments and creams; pills to reduce skin inflammation; or biologic medications (injections). Work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan to help manage symptoms.
4. Monitor your skin for signs and symptoms of infection
Skin infections are a serious risk associated with eczema. Part of treatment is monitoring your skin for signs of an infection. These signs may include:
- increased redness or purplish skin
- warm or hot skin
- swelling
- pain
- discharge (oozing)
- fever
For any signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider right away to determine the best treatment for you.
Here’s a closer look at medications for moderate to severe eczema:
Biologics
Biologics are medicines given as an injection. They are made from living cells instead of chemicals. Biologics work by targeting specific immune cells that cause inflammation, including on the skin.
Biologics for eczema block specific proteins that cause skin inflammation. They stop symptoms before they can start, leading to disease suppression or remission. They can help heal inflamed skin, keep inflammation under control, reduce itch, and improve quality of life.
Biologics currently available to treat eczema include dupilumab (Dupixent®), tralokinumab (Adbry®), lebrikizumab (Ebglyss®) and nemolizumab (Nemluvio®).
Learn more about biologics at BiologicMeds.org.
JAK inhibitors
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are medications given as a topical cream or a pill. They are designed to block an overactive pathway of enzymes and limit the production of immune messengers called cytokines that cause eczema symptoms. This reduces inflammation, skin thickness and scaling, relieves itching and promotes clear skin.
Four JAK inhibitors are available: abrocitinib (Cibinqo®), delgocitinib (Anzupgo®), ruxolitinib (Opzelura®) and upadacitinib (Rinvoq®). Cibinqo and Rinvoq are oral pills taken by mouth. Opzelura and Anzupgo are creams for the skin.
- Cibinqo, Opzelura and Rinvoq are approved for adults and children ages 12 and older with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
- Opzelura is also approved for children ages 2-11 with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.
- Anzupgo is approved to treat chronic hand eczema in adults.
- Medication side effects may include mild nausea, nasal swelling, cough, headaches and high blood pressure.
- JAK inhibitors alter the immune system’s ability to react to germs, which can put patients at risk for bacterial, fungal and viral infections.
- FDA requires Black Box warnings on JAK inhibitors about increased risk of serious heart-related events and blood clots.
- JAK inhibitors are typically covered by insurance. Drug manufacturers also offer patient assistance programs and co-pay cards to help with costs.
- Some insurers may require step therapy (trying other treatments first) or prior authorization before approving coverage of JAK inhibitors.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy, also called light therapy, is an in-office medical procedure conducted by either an allergist or dermatologist. It involves exposing skin affected by eczema to ultraviolet (UV) light. A special light machine is used to deliver targeted bands of UV light. The amount of light exposure is timed and increased as the treatment progresses.
Phototherapy can help reduce inflammation, relieve itching, and reduce harmful bacteria on the skin. It can be used in specific areas of the body that aren’t responding to other treatments, or over the entire body if needed.
Be sure to discuss the risk of side effects with your healthcare provider. Side effects may include sunburn, skin that appears to age rapidly, hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) in people of color, and possibly skin cancer.
Nearly 70% of patients who are treated with phototherapy have positive results. But it is not for everybody. Phototherapy is considered a second-line treatment for severe eczema. It is mostly used for patients who have not had success with other medications.
Can I use prednisone for severe eczema?
Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid and it is not typically prescribed to treat eczema. But your doctor may recommend a short course (or “burst”) to treat a severe eczema flare-up. The medicine is only taken for a short period of time.
Long-term use of prednisone poses serious health risks. These health risks include weight gain, eye problems, elevated blood sugars leading to diabetes, thin bones, and an increased risk of infection.
How is severe eczema treated in babies and toddlers?
Severe eczema treatment options are more limited for babies and toddlers. Initial treatment focuses on bathing, moisturizing, and identifying and avoiding triggers.
Medications approved for this age group include the non-steroidal cream crisaborole (Eucrisa®), approved for babies starting at 3 months. The biologic medication dupilumab is approved for children ages 6 months and older with moderate to severe eczema.
Talk with a pediatrician about what treatment is best for your child with severe eczema.
Learn about Biological Medications: What they are, how they work, and who might benefit ➤
How Does Severe Eczema Impact Mental Health?
People often underestimate how much eczema can impact a person’s mental health and affect quality of life. Eczema is more than just a physical symptom. Many people with eczema suffer from anxiety and depression. They tend to avoid social interaction, isolate themselves, and avoid taking part in activities because of their skin appearance. Constant itchiness, oozing rashes and blisters can affect a person’s mood, spirit and resilience.
If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety or depression due to eczema, seek help from a mental health professional. Talk with your healthcare provider and ask for a referral. Learn strategies to help you live well with eczema and lead a full and active life.
Some people may have suicidal thoughts due to severe eczema impacting their life. If you or someone you know struggles with thoughts of suicide, please get help right away. Talk with a mental health specialist or call 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for immediate help.
What Are the Complications of Severe Eczema?
Severe eczema can affect more than the skin. Scratching and inflammation can cause the skin to crack, leaving it more vulnerable to infections. Some skin infections can become serious if they are not treated.
Long-term use of topical corticosteroids can also cause side effects. Some people may experience topical steroid withdrawal after stopping certain topical corticosteroids.
Talk with your healthcare provider about how to prevent complications and when to seek medical care if they occur.
Can severe eczema cause death?
Eczema cannot cause or lead to death. However, cellulitis, which is a serious skin infection, can cause death if left untreated. An eczema-related infection can spread to the full body, causing sepsis, which can be fatal. That is why a key component of eczema treatment is monitoring for infection.
How do infections happen from severe eczema?
When the skin barrier is compromised, it’s an invitation for bacteria and germs to invade. Often, your body’s immune system is able to fight off these invaders. But sometimes your body needs the help of modern medicine.
If you think you may have an infection due to eczema, it is important to see your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options. This may include topical or oral antibiotics.
For a severe infection, you may need hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and additional treatment.
Topical steroid withdrawal (TSW)
Topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) is a condition just now starting to be understood. It is a side effect that can occur in some people when they stop using topical corticosteroids. In general, TSW is more common in women who use topical steroids on their face or genitals.
According to the National Eczema Association, TSW symptoms may include:
- swelling
- burning sensation
- weeping
- extreme itching
- cracked skin
- flaking and peeling
- wrinkling
- painful skin
- pus-filled bumps
- nodules
- hair loss
- shivering
- fatigue
More research is needed to better understand TSW and how to prevent it.
How does severe eczema impact quality of life?
Moderate to severe eczema can significantly impact the lives of adults, teens and children. It can lead to constant pain and intense itching, making everyday life very challenging. Eczema can affect social interactions, mental health, and overall well-being.
Sleep in particular can be difficult due to eczema symptoms. A lack of sleep or poor sleep increases a person’s risk of having anxiety and depression. In some cases, eczema can lead to thoughts of self-harm, especially among teenage girls.
When young children have eczema, the effects can extend to the entire family. For example, if a child is in pain or struggling to sleep, it can disrupt the whole household and affect everyone’s quality of life.
How to Manage Severe Eczema?
One of the most important ways to manage eczema is to identify your triggers. Does extreme heat or weather changes trigger symptoms? Do certain soaps and detergents cause eczema to flare? Does eating certain foods trigger a skin reaction? See an allergist or dermatologist for answers, including testing and evaluation of symptoms and triggers.
Prescription medicines may be the most effective way for people to manage severe eczema. But there are lifestyle changes you can make to help control and ease symptoms.
For example, if you find your eczema gets worse in certain environments, including home or work, explore what is in those environments that might be triggering symptoms. It could be exposure to a chemical in a cleaning product or maybe pet dander. Once you understand what is triggering your symptoms, you can find ways to reduce flare-ups.
Work with your healthcare provider to find the right bathing and moisturizing routine that helps manage symptoms.
How to manage eczema triggers?
Identifying and managing eczema triggers is an essential step in controlling symptoms and improving your quality of life. Work closely with your healthcare provider to determine what might be causing your eczema to worsen. Since triggers can vary widely from person to person, understanding your unique situation is key.
A great way to uncover your triggers is by keeping a detailed diary of your eczema. Write down when, where, and why your symptoms flare up. Consider these questions:
- Environment: Was there a change in weather, humidity, or exposure to allergens like pollen or pet dander?
- Products: Did you use a new soap, lotion, detergent, or shampoo?
- Diet: Did you eat a new food or a known allergen?
- Stress: Were you experiencing a particularly stressful situation? Stress is a common but often overlooked trigger.
- Activities: Did sweating, swimming, or contact with certain fabrics (like wool or synthetic materials) worsen your symptoms?
Once you’ve identified your triggers, develop a plan to avoid or manage them. For example:
- If a certain product irritates your skin, switch to hypoallergenic alternatives.
- If stress is a trigger, incorporate stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises into your routine.
- For environmental factors, consider using a humidifier during dry seasons or an air purifier to reduce allergens.
Remember: identifying and avoiding triggers may not eliminate your eczema completely. But it can reduce the frequency and severity of your flare-ups. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider can help improve your management plan and ensure you’re on the right track.
Is there a best hand cream for severe eczema?
The best hand cream is the one that works best for you and your symptoms. Be sure to avoid hand creams with scents and dyes. Look for ones that are hypoallergenic. An allergist or dermatologist may be able to provide you with a list of hand creams for use.
If you have chronic hand eczema that is moderate to severe, a JAK inhibitor cream called delgotinib (Anzupgo) is available by prescription. It is approved only for adults.
Is there a best ointment for severe eczema?
Just like with hand creams, the best ointment is the one that works best for you and your symptoms. Look for an ointment with a high oil content (should be greasy) and without scents or dyes. Your allergist or dermatologist may offer recommendations.
Is there a best over-the-counter medicine for severe eczema?
Again, the best OTC medicine is the one that works best for you and your symptoms. But talk with your healthcare provider about whether OTC medications are appropriate for severe eczema care. You may need more advanced medications.
Plenty of over-the-counter treatments are available for eczema. These include ointments, creams, topical hydrocortisone, antihistamines, and even certain shampoos.
Are there any home remedies for severe eczema?
Medications are typically the best treatment remedy for severe eczema. But you may want to try certain home remedies to help control symptoms. These remedies include:
- Follow a bathing and moisturizing routine. Bathing in lukewarm water with colloidal oatmeal can provide relief.
- Bleach baths or bathing with apple cider vinegar may help, but discuss those options and the correct way to do them with your healthcare provider.
- Cool compresses on itchy skin can help.
- Keep fingernails cut very short so you don’t irritate skin when scratching. If you must scratch, try stroking the itchy area using the top side of the hand instead of your fingernails.
- For infants with eczema, put mittens on the baby’s hands. Your baby still may try to scratch, but not with fingernails.
- Find ways to distract yourself from itching. Stay busy so you keep your hands occupied.
Is there a best diet for severe eczema?
There is no specific diet for eczema. Rather, eating a healthy diet is most helpful. Consider anti-inflammatory foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Avoid processed foods.
If you have a food allergy, talk with your healthcare provider about strategies to avoid the food allergens that triggers your symptoms. Consider consulting a dietitian or nutritionist.
What foods should I eat or avoid to reduce my risk of eczema?
Again, there is no specific diet or food that will prevent eczema flares. However, if you suspect a certain food is triggering your eczema, then it’s best to avoid that food.
You may want to get a food allergy or food sensitivity diagnosis from an allergist. The most common food allergens are: peanut, tree nuts, egg, cow’s milk, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy and sesame.
Can Severe Eczema be Prevented?
Eczema is a chronic condition and there is no guaranteed way to prevent it from starting or getting worse. However, there are strategies to reduce the risk of severe flare-ups and maintain better control over symptoms.
How can I prevent future eczema flares?
Preventing severe eczema flares involves a combination of trigger avoidance, keeping the skin well-moisturized, taking your medications as prescribed, and avoiding infection. Sticking to your treatment plan can prevent flare-ups.
- Start early. For infants at high risk of eczema (such as those with a family history of allergies or eczema), some studies suggest that daily moisturizing from birth may help reduce the likelihood of developing the condition. Breastfeeding and using hydrolyzed formulas in infancy may also provide some protective effects.
- Identify and avoid triggers. Allergens, irritants, stress, and certain foods are common triggers. Finding ways to avoid those triggers can help you prevent eczema flares.
- Maintain a healthy skin barrier. Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturize regularly with thick, emollient creams or ointments to keep skin hydrated. Avoid hot showers and harsh scrubbing, which can strip the skin of natural oils.
- Manage stress. Practicing stress management such as meditation, yoga, or regular exercise can help keep flare-ups at bay.
- Follow your treatment plan. Prescribed medications can help prevent eczema from progressing to a more severe form.
- Address infections promptly. Severe eczema can increase the risk of skin infections. If you notice signs of infection, such as oozing, consult your doctor for appropriate treatment.
Can severe eczema be cured?
There is no cure for eczema, no matter its level of severity. Some people learn their triggers and are able to manage symptoms through trigger avoidance. For others, dealing with severe eczema is a lifelong challenge that requires long-term care and systemic treatments.
Can eczema lead to other diseases?
Eczema itself doesn’t directly cause other diseases, but it can lead to infections and impact mental health. There are other conditions often found alongside eczema. These are called comorbidities. Some comorbidities linked to eczema include:
- allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- asthma
- food allergies
- alopecia areata (sudden hair loss)
- chronic hives (urticaria)
- osteoporosis
Conditions that can look like eczema
Several skin and immune conditions cause rashes, itching, or swelling that get mistaken for eczema. They differ in what triggers them, how they are diagnosed, and how they are treated. If a rash is not responding to eczema treatment, ask a board-certified allergist or dermatologist whether one of these could be the cause:
- Aquagenic urticaria causes hives after contact with water.
- Celiac disease can cause dermatitis herpetiformis, an intensely itchy blistering rash.
- Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is hives lasting six weeks or longer with no identifiable trigger.
- Chronic urticaria (hives) causes welts that move around, with individual welts usually fading within 24 hours.
- Cold urticaria brings on hives, swelling, and welts after exposure to cold.
- Contact dermatitis is actually a form of eczema, but it is triggered by an allergen or irritant touching the skin rather than by atopic disease.
- Hereditary angioedema (HAE) causes deep swelling without hives or itching, and does not respond to antihistamines or corticosteroids.
- Mast cell diseases, including mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome, can cause unexplained skin rashes along with other body-wide symptoms.
- Primary immunodeficiency diseases include several disorders that produce severe, treatment-resistant eczema-like rashes starting in infancy.
- Psoriasis produces thick, sharply defined, scaly plaques, often on elbows, knees, and scalp.
- Rosacea causes flushing, lasting changes in skin color, and sometimes acne-like bumps on the face, often with burning or stinging.
- Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, producing a rash with intense itching that often worsens at night.
- Seborrheic dermatitis is a form of eczema that causes flaky, sometimes greasy patches on the scalp, face, and other oily areas of the skin.
OCTOBER 2026
Reviewed by:
William E. Berger, MD, FACAAI, is a board-certified allergist and immunologist who serves as a media spokesperson and Chair of the Medical Advisory Council for Allergy & Asthma Network. He is a Distinguished Fellow and Past President (2002-03) of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI).
