The Basics of Eczema Treatment

Eczema or atopic dermatitis affects people of all ages, but is quite common in infants and children in the age group of two to six months. Eczema can cause the skin to become extremely dry, red and itchy. It usually starts on cheeks, forehead and scalp, and then spreads to rest of the body including elbows, wrists and knees. Causes of eczema are not exactly known, but family history plays an important role.

Eczema is a common skin condition, but there is no cure for it. The treatment actually aims at controlling and preventing the itching and inflammation. To help deal with extremely dry skin, use of creams such as Nivea, Eucerin, Lurbriderm, or Cetaphil can offer effective eczema treatment. Apply the cream right after finishing a bath or shower so that the moisturizer is trapped inside the skin. Aquaphor is useful if the skin is severely dry. Some parents also find Vanicream and Hydorlatum to be effective eczema treatment. Most experts however feel that moisturizers usually don’t work as well as ointments or cream.

When eczema flares up, a steroid cream such as Westcort, Cutivate, Elocon, Lociod Lipocream or Artistocort must be applied right after the bath, and also during the day as suggested by the physician. But avoid using the steroid eczema creams in the diaper area or on the face.

In some severe cases, the doctor may prescribe oral steroids such as Azathioprine or Cyclosporine for eczema treatment. The FDA has recently approved use of topical ointments pimecrolimus and tacrolimus for eczema treatment.

Some people feel that limiting baths can be an effective eczema treatment, but experts feel that a daily bath is essential to cure this skin condition. A daily bath helps the skin to remain moisturized, making it less itchy. But make sure to use nondrying mild soap such as Tone, Neutrogena, Caress, Basis, Dial, Dove or Purpose. Also, avoid scrubbing vigorously, and after the bath, just pat dry the skin using a soft towel.

Many people like to use home remedies for eczema natural treatment, and these methods can be as simple as changing detergents, or as difficult as moving to a new place to avoid the triggers. Wearing loose fitting clothes, wearing gloves when dealing with strong chemicals, soaking your body in warm water for 10-15 minutes, avoiding strenuous activity and avoiding stress can also be useful when coupled with other eczema treatment methods. Many doctors believe that UV rays emitted by the sun can decrease an overactive immune system of the skin, thereby providing some relief from eczema.