Eczema refers to a group of skin conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy, and inflamed. There are six different types of eczema. Today, we’ll explore eczema treatment to help manage the condition. Before we delve into eczema treatment, we need to understand more about eczema and its symptoms.
The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. While eczema afflicts more than 30 million Americans, it is not contagious. You cannot contract eczema by touching someone who has it. Eczema can appear anywhere on the body, its symptoms vary from person to person, and its severity ranges from mild to moderate to severe.
Although, eczema is most common in babies and children, anyone can develop eczema. Typically, as a child grows older, eczema will go away. Adults can also develop eczema, even if they never had it as a child.
Eczema Symptoms
As stated previously, eczema symptoms are different for everyone. The best course of action to determine if you have eczema is to see a board-certified dermatologist.
Generally, eczema is red, blotchy, and itchy. The itch is usually mild or moderate, but in some cases it can be severe, causing inflamed skin. Always refrain from scratching the itch if you suspect you have eczema.
Here are other symptoms to look for if you think you or child may have eczema:
- Dry, sensitive skin
- Red, inflamed skin
- Severe itching
- Dark colored patches of skin
- Rough, leathery or scaly patches of skin
- Oozing or crusting
- Areas of swelling
Eczema Treatment
While there is no cure for eczema, there are many different options for eczema treatment. To effectively manage your symptoms, it’s important to cultivate a care team of providers that are experts in treating eczema like a board-certified dermatologist.
The most basic eczema treatment is simple:
- Know your triggers
- Implement a regular bathing and moisturizing routine
- Use over the counter (OTC) and/or prescription medication as prescribed
- Watch for signs of infection
Beyond the basics of eczema treatment, here are seven eczema treatments:
OTC Products
Perhaps the most common eczema treatment is over the counter treatments. Available without a prescription, there are a wide variety of OTC products made specifically to treat eczema and its many stages. Some moisturize the skin. Other products help manage symptoms like rash, redness, and itch. Some are made to gently clean the skin to prevent infection.
Bathing & Moisturizing
The most effective way to treat dry skin is through proper bathing and moisturizing. Soak in a warm bath or shower, then moisturize immediately after (within three minutes). Adding bleach, vinegar, salt, oatmeal, or baking soda to your bath can calm specific symptoms of eczema.
When skin becomes too dry, it can become irritated and cause your eczema to flare. Weather, harsh soaps, and excessive washing can all cause dry skin. Many people with eczema have dry skin due to an imbalance in the skin barrier, the topmost protective layer of skin. When functioning normally, the skin barrier keeps irritants and allergens out and moisture in. A proper bathing and moisturizing routine help maintain a healthy skin barrier, which in turn controls eczema symptoms.
Prescription Topicals
Only available through prescription from a doctor, prescription topicals include corticosteroids, PDE4 inhibitors, topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), and skin barrier creams. These medications are applied to affected skin to ease redness, rash, dryness, and itching.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy is primarily used to treat severe eczema. This treatment method uses a special machine that emits a narrowband UVB light onto the skin to reduce itching and inflammation, increase vitamin D production, and bacteria-fighting systems in the skin.
Immunosuppressants
While the exact cause of eczema remains a mystery, doctors and researchers understand that the immune system plays a key part. With eczema, the immune system overreacts and produces inflammation, which leads to itching, redness, and skin barrier problems. If you have severe eczema, your dermatologist or doctor may prescribe an immunosuppressant. These drugs help control, or suppress, the immune system, which in turn slows the symptoms of severe eczema.
Biologics
Biologics target a particular piece of the immune system that causes atopic dermatitis symptoms. Biologic drugs contain genetically engineered proteins derived from human genes. Administered intravenously, biologics target areas of the immune system that trigger inflammation.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Complementary and alternative therapies include supplements, plant-based topicals such as coconut oil, medication, and biofeedback. Studies show that certain therapies have been effective as eczema treatment.
At Vujevich Dermatology Associates, we treat a variety of medical dermatology conditions and pediatric dermatology conditions. If you suspect you or your child may have eczema, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Vujevich Dermatology Associates offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology from some of the most highly trained physicians and clinicians in the greater Pittsburgh area. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see all of our locations. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.