Eczema- Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is the treatment of Eczema?

With the help of an allergist, Eczema can be managed for both children and adults. An allergist may recommend topical steroids and/or antihistamines as prescription medications in cases of moderate to severe Eczema. Moisturizers and ointments like petroleum jelly can be used as skin eczema treatment for mild cases. To help prevent dryness, those should be applied daily, even if the skin appears clear.

People with Eczema should stay away from harsh cleansers, drink plenty of water, wear gloves in the cold, and avoid wool and other materials that could irritate the skin. Foods, cosmetics, soaps, wool, dust mites, mould, pollen, dog or cat dander, dry climate, and other factors can trigger Eczema flare-ups.

Your allergist may advise you to bathe your infant at least once a day and immediately apply moisturizer to him if he has Eczema. In addition to gently patting the skin dry and immediately applying a moisturizer to “seal in” moisture, frequent bathing should include limited use of pH-balanced skin cleansers.

Some advice to treat your Eczema

Protect your skin

Apply an emollient or moisturizer to your skin at least twice a day to protect it, even in between flare-ups when your Eczema is under control. Ointments or thick moisturizers work best.

Wet Dressing

Wet Dressings can help rehydrate, protect, and cool your skin.

Treat Flare-ups

Use ointments or creams your doctor prescribed to treat flare-ups. Steroid creams may need to be administered intermittently. For Eczema affecting the face, underarms, and groin, your doctor will prescribe weak steroids and stronger steroids for other areas. Make sure to apply the cream as directed by your doctor. Steroid creams rarely cause side effects in adults or children, so as long as you use them as directed, you shouldn’t worry.

Control Itching

Use antihistamines, apply a cold compress to the affected area, and avoid scratching to reduce itching. Your doctor may also recommend steroid creams to control the itching, though they should be used less frequently than during a flare-up.

Control Infection

Antibiotics, if prescribed by your doctor, can treat and control infection.

Home Remedies

The evaporation of room air and compresses made of tepid water may help mild Eczema. Applying water followed by an emollient (moisturizing cream or lotion) can help with chronic Eczema. Nonprescription 1% hydrocortisone cream can effectively treat mild Eczema.

 Are food and Eczema related?

It is not clear whether food allergies and Eczema are related. One of the reasons to avoid a particular food if you have a food allergy is that it may aggravate or exacerbate your eczema symptoms. Common types of allergies include:

• Peanuts
• Dairy
• Eggs

Take note of what you eat. You may have an allergy to a particular food if your Eczema flares up after eating it. No foods can cause or exacerbate Eczema if you don’t have a food allergy.

Having Eczema can last a lifetime. It can begin as a child and continue into adulthood. Home remedies, prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications can all help you manage your symptoms.

 Eczema affects many people and can be challenging. However, there are times when your Eczema may go away. A “remission” period is the term for this. You might also experience a “flare-up,” in which your symptoms appear or get worse. The treatment aims to stop flare-ups and make your symptoms better. Make sure to stay away from triggers, moisturize, take your medication, and do what your doctor tells you to do.