Eczema - Treatment

There is no cure for eczema but there are many treatments that can help relieve the symptoms.  There are also a number of things you can do at home to help keep your eczema under control..

Good, sensible skin care is an important part of managing eczema. In many instances this can be enough to manage milder cases of eczema.

• First line treatments: Doctors will usually start patients on the mot simple treatments. For example they may suggest a room-temperature bath which will help remove crusted skin. Apply a good moisturizer immediately afterwards, this will help to retain the skins natural moisture.

• Corticosteroid creams: Corticosteroid creams and ointments have been the mainstay of eczema treatment for many years. There are OTC creams available for milder cases. If your eczema is more severe your doctor may suggest a prescription only cream. In the most severe cases and usually only when other treatments have failed your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids.

• Immunomodulators: Newer drugs called topical immunomodulators are available to help treat eczema. These medicines help control inflammation and reduce immune system reactions when applied to the skin. Talk to your doctor about whether these may be right for you.

• Oral antihistamines: Oral antihistamines will sometimes help to relieve eczema symtpoms and can be usefull at nightime. They can cause drowsiness and may help you to sleep despite the eczema itching 

• Other Treatments: In the most extreme instances of eczema, your doctor or dermatolgist may suggest ultraviolet light therapy. There are also drugs that supress the immune system and may be tried for adults. Your doctor would be the best person to talk to if other more traditional forms of treatment have not helped.

Discuss this in the SKIN CARE forum

<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 Next > End >>