Eczema
How is it treated?
Although there is no cure for eczema, many available treatments can ease or eliminate the symptoms associated with the illness. Both topical and oral medications have the ability to reduce existing rashes and prevent future flare-ups or outbreaks, which is the goal of treatment. For severe cases of eczema, topical and oral medications may be used together.
Because there are several types of eczema and the disease affects everyone differently, you should consult your doctor to determine the treatment option that is best for you.
The following are some treatment options for eczema:
- Creams, Ointments, Lotions, Bath Oils, and Emollients
Moisturizers are recommended for all types of eczema because they promote rehydration of dry, cracked areas. Such products include Aquaphor, Eucerin, Moisturel, mineral oil and baby oil. It is recommended that the selected moisturizer be applied liberally to the affected area. Products containing alcohol may result in burning of the affected area, so it is best to choose the product with the smallest amount of alcohol. If you need assistance choosing a product, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Topical Steroids
Topical steroids are often used in addition to moisturizers if eczema symptoms do not improve and the affected area becomes severely irritated and swollen. The topical steroid selected often varies from very low potency to high potency, depending on the severity of the disease. Your doctor is the best person to determine whether a topical steroid is appropriate for your eczema and, if appropriate, its potency.
Topical Immunosuppressants
Topical immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) have been shown to be extremely effective in the treatment of eczema. By controlling how the immune system reacts to potential irritants or triggers, immunosuppressants are able to clear the affected area and provide relief from itching. However, until further studies have been conducted to identify any potential long-term effects, they should be considered a treatment of last resort.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines taken by mouth are often used to reduce the itching associated with eczema. Newer antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) and fexofenadine (Allegra), do not appear to be as effective in controlling itching as older antihistamines [for example, hydroxyzine (Atarax), diphenhydramine (Benadryl)]. However, the older antihistamines cause more drowsiness. Topical antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are usually not recommended because they contain additives that may exacerbate the condition.
Oral Steroids
Oral steroids are generally reserved for eczema that is resistant to all other treatments because this class of drugs is much more likely to cause side effects.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy (ultraviolet A or B light therapy) may be used when all other avenues of topical and oral treatments have been exhausted. Phototherapy works by controlling cells in the skin that allow skin cell development. By controlling the rate at which skin cells develop, it is possible to control the scaling and sloughing of skin that is associated with eczema.
Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics may be used for skin infections that arise at the site of an eczema flare-up. Skin infections are indicated if white or yellow pus oozes from the affected site. Topical antibiotics can also be used when the skin is broken to help prevent infection and to treat mild infections. Consult your doctor if you think your outbreak calls for an antibiotic.
To learn more about how each type of eczema is treated, click on the links below.
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How is it treated?
