Persistent itching, inflamed skin, dryness, and recurring eczema flare-ups can significantly affect both skin health and quality of life. At Elkhorn Dermatology in Omaha, Dr. Brett Kettelhut, a board-certified specialist in allergy and immunology with decades of clinical experience, provides advanced evaluation and personalized treatment for eczema and other chronic inflammatory skin conditions.
Our approach goes beyond temporary symptom management by focusing on the underlying factors that may contribute to chronic eczema, including allergic triggers, immune system dysregulation, skin barrier impairment, microbial imbalance, and ongoing inflammation. Emerging research continues to highlight the important relationship between the immune system, skin barrier function, microbiome health, and inflammatory skin disease.
At Elkhorn Dermatology, we specialize in evidence-based, individualized care designed to help patients better understand and manage difficult-to-treat eczema and allergic contact dermatitis. Through comprehensive skin evaluations, targeted allergy assessment, advanced skincare strategies, and integrative treatment planning, we work to identify contributing factors rather than simply masking symptoms.
Our multidisciplinary approach combines allergy, immunology, inflammatory skin disease management, and skin barrier restoration. Our team develops targeted treatment plans focused on improving skin resilience, reducing flare frequency, and supporting long-term skin health.
Through personalized, evidence-based treatment plans, we focus on identifying underlying contributing factors to help patients better manage chronic skin conditions and support healthier, more resilient skin.
Common inflammatory skin conditions associated with allergens, skin barrier dysfunction, microbiome imbalance, and environmental triggers:
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, itching, dryness, irritation, and skin barrier dysfunction. While genetics and environmental factors contribute to eczema, research increasingly supports the role of immune imbalance, gut health, microbial disruption, and chronic inflammation in eczema flare-ups.
Many patients seeking eczema treatment in Omaha continue to experience persistent symptoms despite using topical creams, steroids, or prescription medications. In some cases, allergens, food sensitivities, bacterial imbalance, and inflammatory triggers may contribute to ongoing skin irritation and recurrent flare-ups.
Additionally, Staphylococcus aureus commonly overgrows on eczema-prone skin, further weakening the skin barrier and increasing inflammation, irritation, and infection risk. Addressing underlying triggers while supporting skin barrier restoration may help improve long-term skin health and reduce eczema severity.
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the immune system reacts to substances such as fragrances, preservatives, metals, skincare ingredients, or chemicals. Common symptoms include itching, redness, swelling, burning, and inflamed skin patches.
With extensive expertise in allergy and immunology, Dr. Brett Kettelhut provides comprehensive evaluation of allergic skin reactions and chronic inflammation. Through personalized trigger assessment and evidence-based treatment strategies, we help patients identify irritants that may contribute to recurrent flare-ups and ongoing skin sensitivity.
Emerging research also suggests that immune dysregulation and gut barrier dysfunction may influence inflammatory responses, potentially increasing sensitivity to environmental allergens and irritants.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes dandruff, flaky skin, redness, and irritation in oily areas such as the scalp, face, chest, and back. The condition is associated with an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast and disruption of the skin microbiome.
Research on the gut-skin connection suggests that chronic inflammation and microbial imbalance may contribute to skin barrier dysfunction and worsening symptoms. Supporting skin barrier health and reducing inflammatory triggers may help improve long-term scalp and skin health.
Perioral dermatitis and chronic hand eczema are commonly associated with irritants, allergens, occupational exposures, and repeated skin barrier damage. Individuals with frequent exposure to soaps, sanitizers, cleaning products, or chemicals, including healthcare workers, cleaners, and hairstylists, may be at increased risk.
These conditions often cause redness, dryness, itching, burning, and persistent irritation around the mouth or on the hands. Inflammation, allergic triggers, skin barrier dysfunction, and environmental factors may contribute to recurring symptoms.
By identifying contributing triggers and supporting skin barrier restoration, personalized treatment plans can help patients better manage chronic irritation and improve long-term skin health.
If you have been struggling with chronic skin conditions such as eczema, improving skin health often requires addressing underlying factors beyond the surface of the skin. Supporting gut health, reducing inflammation, restoring microbiome balance, and identifying potential allergens may help improve overall skin function and resilience.
Personalized, integrative treatment strategies designed to support both gut and skin health can help patients better manage chronic inflammation and promote healthier, more balanced skin over time.
“Dr. Kettelhut never makes me feel rushed during a visit. I was a mess when I first saw him and over the years, he has turned me into a healthy person. My asthma and allergies are now under control. He has a great sense of humor and I feel we are good friends as well. I have recommended him to friends who have also been pleased with his care.”
If you have struggled with chronic eczema, itching, dermatitis, or recurring inflammatory skin flare-ups, specialized evaluation may help identify underlying triggers contributing to your symptoms.
At Elkhorn Dermatology, Dr. Brett Kettelhut combines expertise in allergy-immunology with advanced dermatologic care to develop personalized treatment plans for difficult-to-manage inflammatory skin conditions.
Our goal is to help patients throughout Omaha and Elkhorn achieve healthier, more resilient skin through evidence-based, individualized care focused on long-term skin health.
Schedule a consultation to learn more about personalized eczema treatment options.
This test helps identify specific allergens that may be contributing to skin reactions such as eczema, contact dermatitis, and other hypersensitivity conditions. By identifying potential triggers, we can develop personalized strategies to help patients avoid irritants and better manage chronic skin symptoms.
An in-depth evaluation of gut health designed to identify microbial imbalances, dysbiosis, digestive dysfunction, and conditions such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) that may contribute to inflammation and overall health concerns.
A detailed evaluation of both visible and microscopic skin changes designed to assess overall skin health, identify underlying contributing factors, and create a personalized treatment and skincare plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
A precise histologic examination of a small skin sample used to help diagnose inflammatory skin diseases, autoimmune conditions, infections, and suspicious lesions. This detailed evaluation helps confirm complex diagnoses and guide appropriate treatment planning.
Comprehensive laboratory testing designed to evaluate hormonal balance and identify potential imbalances that may contribute to skin concerns, inflammation, hair changes, aging, fatigue, weight fluctuations, and overall wellness issues.
At Elkhorn Dermatology, we emphasize a whole-person approach to skin health and skin integrity. Therefore, our strategy combines traditional dermatology methods with advanced diagnostics to tackle both surface symptoms of problems like eczema, as well as their underlying causes. Our treatments are personalized for your unique needs to ensure long-term solutions.
“Guided by our board-certified dermatologist and allergist-immunologist on our Scientific Board, we ensure that every product and recommendation is grounded in proven dermatological expertise and science.“
Allergic and inflammatory skin conditions like eczema can be effectively managed by addressing root causes like allergens, inflammation, and the gut-skin connection. By focusing on healing from within— through practices like intestinal barrier repair, detox strategies, and allergen elimination—you can achieve healthier, clearer skin naturally.
Discover more about Elkhorn Dermatology and our experienced providers, and learn why families throughout our community trust us for personalized, high-quality dermatologic care.
Monday – Friday:
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
