The treatment of eczema involves a combination of daily skin care, avoiding triggers, and managing flare-ups with medications or other therapies.
Basic Treatments
- Emollients (moisturizers) and soap substitutes are the foundation of eczema care. Emollients help keep the skin moist and prevent dryness. They should be applied daily, especially during flare-ups, and can come as creams, ointments, lotions, or sprays.
- Gentle skin cleansing with non-soap cleansers without dyes, alcohol, or fragrance is recommended to protect the skin barrier.
Managing Flare-Ups
- Topical corticosteroids (steroid ointments or creams) are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms during flare-ups. Strength and type depend on eczema severity and body area. These include mild steroids (like hydrocortisone) to stronger ones (like mometasone).
- Alternative topical treatments if steroids are unsuitable include calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus.
Additional Treatments
- Antihistamines can help with itching and improve sleep but do not treat eczema itself.
- Wet dressings or wet wraps can cool and protect skin during severe flare-ups.
- For severe or persistent eczema, phototherapy (UV light treatment), immunosuppressant drugs, biologics (like dupilumab), JAK inhibitors, or other advanced therapies may be considered by specialists.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Avoid known irritants and allergens (like harsh soaps, detergents, certain fabrics).
- Use a humidifier to prevent dry air from worsening skin.
- Wear smooth, breathable clothing and keep nails trimmed to minimize skin damage from scratching.
- Bathing in warm water with colloidal oatmeal or diluted bleach baths as advised can help control infections and inflammation.
Eczema cannot be cured but can be effectively managed with these approaches. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for personalized treatment and proper use of medications to minimize side effects and complications.
