Finding the right treatment for the relief of symptoms and the prevention of flare-ups when you have severeeczemais crucial.
The skin can become red and swollen, and the itch can be extreme and disruptive.
In some cases,eczemacan affect over 40% of the body’s surface area.
Olga Ostapenko / Getty Images
Sometimes exposure can’t be avoided.
Skin Care
A goodskin care routineis the basis for eczema treatment.
It is important during flare-ups and in between them.
You should adhere to this routine even if you are using other treatments as directed by your healthcare provider.
Start with bathing or showering using warm, not hot, water.
This helps hydrate skin and remove crusts, scales, and irritants.
After bathing, pat dry with a soft towel.
Apply a good moisturizer within three minutes of getting out of the water.
This helps your skin retain the hydration from bathing.
Apply moisturizer frequently throughout the day.
You should try these treatments under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Don’t try them without consulting with them first.
Wet Wrap Treatment
Wet wrap treatment involves wrapping the affected skin in layers of wet and dry dressings.
At this level of dilution, it is similar to swimming in a chlorinated pool.
Important
It is important to use the right amount of bleach to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Use a measuring cup or measuring spoons, don’t estimate.
Never apply bleach directly to the skin.
Severe eczema may require additional treatment, but OTC products provide a treatment base.
Topical
Topical eczema treatments mean they are applied to the skin.
Using the right moisturizing product is key to eczema treatment.
Look for thicker ointments or creams.
These have a higher oil content than lotions, which contain too much water.
Use products that containminimal ingredientsand are fragrance-free and dye-free.
Systemic
Oralantihistaminesare sometimes suggested for itchy eczema.
When to Get Medical Help
Severe eczema may require medical intervention.
Call 911 if you think it is a life-threatening emergency.
Some prescription eczema treatments are applied to the skin.
Steroids
Topical steroidsmay be prescribed for short-term use to help clear affected areas and manage itching and inflammation.
Apply to affected areas only and use as directed by your healthcare provider.
Topical steroids are typically not for long-term treatment because they cancause the skin to thinover time.
CalcineurinInhibitors
Tacrolimusointment and Elidel (pimecrolimus) cream are topical non-steroidimmunosuppressantsthat help reduce inflammation.
Unlike steroids, they do not cause skin thinning.
Anyoneover 2 years of agecan safely take them.
Common side effects include mild stinging or burning when first applied to the skin.
Zoryve is approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in people 6 years of age and older.
Some prescription eczema treatments are taken orally or by injection.
People using these medications need monitoring from their healthcare provider.
Dupixent
Dupixent(dupilumab) is an injectable medication that inhibits the inflammatory response.
It can treat adults with moderate to severe eczema that topical therapies cannot control.
Specialist-Driven Procedures
Phototherapycan treat moderate to severe eczema.
People sometimes use it witha medication calledpsoralen, which sensitizes the skin to ultraviolet light.
This combination therapy is called psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA).
Your healthcare provider may later advise more treatments.
Phototherapy may cause side effects such as skin sensitivity and may increase the risk of skin cancer.
Talk to your healthcare provider about thebenefits and risks of this treatment.
Skip the Tanning Bed and Sunbathing
Tanning bedsand sun exposure should never serve as phototherapy.
Effective phototherapy requires specific wavelengths that the sun and tanning beds cannot supply.
Exposure to radiation from tanning beds or the sun also increases your risk of skin cancer.
Summary
Moisturizers and topical medications can also treat eczema.
Severe eczema may require more intensive treatments such as systemic immunosuppressants orphototherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Severe eczema can be extremely itchy.
Ointments are the best moisturizers for eczema because they have the highest oil content.
“Greasy” moisturizers are the most effective for eczema.
Creams are the next best choice.
Lotions contain a lot of water and tend to be less effective.
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