Various prescription treatments are available to treateczema, including topical corticosteroids and injectable medications.
This article discusses home remedies and treatments for eczema and tips for managing the condition.
In some cases, good home care can almost eliminate eczema flareups.
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Eliminate Triggers
Avoiding the triggers of itching should be the first priority if you have atopic dermatitis.
Environmental triggers are anything that causes itching or irritation of the skin.
Over-the-Counter Therapies
Many cases of eczema can be successfully controlled with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments.
When choosing a moisturizing product, look for ingredients such asceramidesand urea.
These have been shown to improve hydration and help heal active eczema rash.
Always get your healthcare provider’s OK before putting any home remedy on your child’s eczema.
Over-the-Counter Hydrocortisone
If eczema isn’t improving with moisturizing creams, over-the-counterhydrocortisone creamcan help.
Hydrocortisone helps relieve itching and inflammation.
OTC hydrocortisone is sold at the drug store in strengths of 0.5% to 1%.
Brands include Cortisone-10, Cortaid, and various store brands.
After cleansing, apply a thin layer of the medication to the rash and gently rub it in.
Low-strength hydrocortisone can be used on the face, but keep it well away from the eyes.
Before using OTC hydrocortisone on babies or toddlers, get advice from your child’s pediatrician.
OTC hydrocortisone shouldn’t be used long-term.
Instead, use it just when you’re having a flareup.
They shouldn’t be used continuously for more than four weeks.
You may need a stronger steroid or a different treatment altogether.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for dilution and bathing time.
In general, medications in ointment forms are stronger than cream forms, which are stronger than lotion forms.
They do not cause thinning of or pigment changes in the skin and can be used safely on yourface.
These medicines are often preferable if there are concerns about corticosteroid use.
Zoryve (roflumilast) is approved for individuals aged 6 and older.
These medications are believed to have better safety profiles than topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors.
If oral steroids are required, the dose should be tapered slowly to minimize this risk.
This progression of this allergic disease is called the “atopic march.”
More recently, various studies suggest that immunotherapy may also be useful for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Allergy shots were most effective at treating people with dust mite allergies as a trigger for their atopic dermatitis.
There are four FDA-approved sublingual allergy tabletsOdactra, Grastek, Oralair, and Ragwitek.
The drawback of this study was the small sample group.
Consider these as add-ons to your current eczema treatment.
As always, seek advice from your healthcare professional before trying any alternative treatment for eczema.
It acts as an occlusive agent to seal in moisture.
Studies have also shown coconut oil to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Other oils, like sunflower and shea butter, also may have moisturizing qualities.
Olive oil, on the other hand, may actually cause the skin to dry out.
Probiotics
Probioticsare found naturally in certain fermented foods, like yogurt and kefir.
They’re also found in the digestive system.
Studies on probiotics and the effect they have on eczema have yielded mixed results.
Some have found that taking probiotics can help reduce eczema symptoms.
Others, though, show that probiotics caused no improvement.
If you’re interested in supplementing with probiotics, ask your healthcare provider for guidance.
Careful skincare with a consistent moisturizing routine is a big part of treatment.
Medications, both OTC and prescription, can be used to help treat eczema flares.
Your healthcare provider can help guide you in developing an appropriate skincare regimen and treatment routine.
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