Eczema can be a frustrating skin condition, whether you get it a few times a year or deal with it daily. It's important to work closely with your doctor to make a plan to help you control the itch and rash.
Eczema treatment has four main goals:
- Control the itch
- Heal the skin
- Prevent flare-ups
- Prevent infections
The right treatment for you depends on your age, medical history, how bad your symptoms are, and other things. You’ll probably need to use a mix of treatments to get the best results. And there are things you should do on your own to keep your skin healthy and clear.
Here's your complete guide to eczema treatments.
Eczema Medications
Eczema medicines can relieve your symptoms and help the skin heal when you take them as directed. The treatments may not have the same effects on everyone. So, you and your doctor may need to try a few options to see what works best for you. Treatment plans may need to be changed sometimes when medications stop working as well as they once did.
Topical corticosteroids
Corticosteroid creams, solutions, gels, foams, and ointmentscan quickly relieve itching and reduce inflammation. They come in various strengths, from mild over-the-counter (OTC) treatments to stronger prescription medicines.
OTC hydrocortisone is often the first thing doctors recommend to treat mild eczema. You may need different strengths of these steroids, depending on where and how bad your rash is. For example, a doctor may prescribe a more potent one for thick, scaly skin.
PDE4 inhibitor
A prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory called crisaborole (Eucrisa) can treat mild to moderate forms of eczema. It works by blocking an enzyme that causes inflammation. Applying it to your skin can help relieve inflammation and help the skin look more normal.
Barrier repair moisturizers
You can get these over the counter as well as by prescription. They help lock water into your skin, repair damage, and ease dryness, redness, and itching. Some products may have irritating fragrances or other ingredients, so ask your doctor or pharmacist which ones you should try or avoid.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors
When you have eczema, your immune system is more sensitive to allergens and irritants. Calcineurin inhibitors block your body's production of calcineurin, a protein that is involved in activating immune cells. This helps reduce your immune system's reaction and control inflammation.
Calcineurin inhibitors are an ointment available only with a prescription from your doctor. It's important to protect your skin from the sun when using them as they can increase your skin's sensitivity.
Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants help control your immune system and reduce its reaction to irritants. These are helpful if you have moderate to severe eczema and other treatments haven’t worked. They ease itching so you scratch less, and your skin has time to heal.
Biologics for eczema
These are man-made medications with proteins from living tissues or cells. They calm your immune system, easing inflammation and eczema symptoms. You get them through a shot under your skin or a needle in your vein. They are usually recommended when other treatments haven't worked.
Antihistamines for eczema
If you have eczema, you also have a higher chance of having allergies, which can make your skin condition worse. Antihistamines can help control the inflammation and itch from allergies.
Phototherapy
Ultraviolet (UV) light can help treat moderate to severe eczema. UV rays help keep the immune system from overreacting and can reduce inflammation and itching. Phototherapy is usually prescribed to treat the whole body or a small area, such as your hands.
Narrow-band UVB light is the most common type used to treat eczema. But you might also get treated with UVA light. During this treatment, you stand in a cabinet with a light-emitting machine, wearing goggles and minimal clothing, such as underwear. Treatment sessions last just seconds to minutes. It might take a couple of months and multiple sessions for you to start seeing results. Your doctor may recommend combining phototherapy with other treatments.
Treating Eczema at Home
When you keep your skin healthy, you can prevent dryness, itching, and redness; it also may lessen the need for medication. Plus, it feels good to pamper yourself. Try these tips:
Bathe only in warm water. Hot water dries out the skin. Wash with a gentle cleanser instead of soap. Don't use body scrubbers or washcloths, which can be irritating. Pat dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing, and be sure to leave your skin damp.
Apply moisturizers daily. Do it right after you bathe or wash your hands. Choose fragrance-free moisturizers that won't irritate you. Try using a thicker skin cream or ointment that has more oil at night, and wear cotton gloves or socks to lock in moisture. Gloves can also keep you from scratching in your sleep.
Avoid too much bathing and handwashing. It will dry out your skin. Steer clear of alcohol-based hand cleaners, too.
Limit your contact with skin irritants. Household cleaners, laundry detergents, perfumed soaps, bubble baths, cosmetics, and many other things can make eczema worse. Learn what irritates your skin so you can avoid it.
Choose cotton clothes that fit comfortably. Wool and synthetic fibers can be irritating. Also, be sure to wash new clothes before you wear them for the first time. Use fragrance-free laundry soap, and rinse your laundry thoroughly.
Avoid getting overheated. When you’re hot and sweaty, it can trigger itching and scratching. After a workout, rinse off right away in a warm shower.
Know your triggers. Many people with eczema react to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and mold.
Ease stress. It can be hard to find time to relax, but lowering your stress level will help you avoid symptom flare-ups.
Takeaways
The itch and inflammation of eczema can reduce your quality of life. But many treatments can improve your condition. See your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Make sure to stick to any medications they give you, and take care of your skin at home.
Eczema Treatment FAQs
What lifestyle changes can prevent eczema?
You may not be able to prevent eczema, but you can stop your condition from worsening by avoiding triggers, being careful of what you put on your skin, avoiding scratching, and lowering your stress level.
Is eczema a lifetime condition?
Eczema is typically a lifelong condition.
How can one heal eczema?
There is no cure for eczema, but you can heal flare-ups by taking your medication as directed and practicing proper skin care at home.
What are the home remedies for eczema?
You may be able to treat mild eczema at home with OTC medicines, avoiding triggers, practicing stress-reduction techniques, and taking good care of your skin.
