Eczema Treatments

First of all, eczema is not caused by bacteria, virus, fungus or worm. If there is any kind of bacteria, virus, fungus or worm found in your skin, even due to secondary infection, you should go to doctor or dermatologist to get medication to kill the bacteria, virus, fungus or worm.

The earlier you treat eczema the better. Once eczema turns into chronic, it is more difficult and needs more time to recover, the symptoms may become more serious and you may suffer a lot. There are medication treatments and non-medication treatments. Long term use of medication, such as the commonly used steroid medication, may have potential side effects.

Medication Treatments

1. Topical Corticosteroids:

Benefits: Effective in reducing inflammation, itching, and redness.
Side Effects: Possible side effects include skin thinning, stretch marks, pigmentation changes, and in rare cases, a risk of increased susceptibility to skin infections.

2. Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors (Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus):

Benefits: Useful for managing eczema, particularly in sensitive areas like the face and skin folds.
Side Effects: Potential side effects include a burning sensation at the application site, skin irritation, and in rare cases, a theoretical but unproven association with skin cancer and lymphoma (mostly seen in long-term and high-dose use; caution and regular skin checks are advised).

3. Topical Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) Inhibitors:

Benefits: Reduce inflammation and itching.
Side Effects: Side effects might include skin irritation, burning sensation, or itching at the application site.

4. Oral Antihistamines:

Benefits: Help alleviate itching and may aid in improving sleep.
Side Effects: Common side effects can include drowsiness and dry mouth. Newer antihistamines tend to have fewer sedating effects.

5. Systemic Corticosteroids (Oral or Injectable):

Benefits: Used for severe flare-ups and rapidly reducing inflammation.
Side Effects: Potential systemic side effects including weight gain, increased blood pressure, mood changes, osteoporosis, and increased risk of infections. Long-term use of systemic corticosteroids is discouraged due to significant side effects.

6. Immunosuppressants (Cyclosporine, Methotrexate, Azathioprine):

Benefits: Reserved for severe cases not responding to other treatments.
Side Effects: Potential side effects can include increased susceptibility to infections, liver or kidney problems, and in some cases, an increased risk of certain cancers. Regular monitoring is essential while using these medications.

7. Biologic Medications (Dupilumab):

Benefits: Target specific parts of the immune system involved in eczema.
Side Effects: Possible side effects include injection-site reactions, conjunctivitis, and in some cases, a slightly increased risk of certain infections.

It’s important to note that the severity of side effects can vary from person to person, and not everyone experiences them. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the use of medications, and discuss any concerns or potential side effects you may encounter. Regular monitoring and communication with your healthcare team are crucial when managing eczema with medications.

Non-Medication Treatments

1. Moisturizers: Keeping the skin well-moisturized is crucial. Regularly applying moisturizers helps maintain the skin barrier, reducing dryness and itchiness. There are many different moisturizers in market. Opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic moisturizers.

2. Wet Wrap Therapy: Involves applying moisturizer to the skin and covering it with wet bandages or clothing to help hydrate and soothe the skin. It’s often used in severe cases under medical supervision.

3. Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers that exacerbate eczema, such as certain fabrics, harsh soaps, allergens, or stress, can significantly reduce flare-ups.

4. Lifestyle Changes: Taking shorter showers with lukewarm water, using gentle cleansers, wearing soft cotton clothing, and maintaining a comfortable indoor humidity level can help manage symptoms.

5. Stress Management: Techniques like meditation, yoga, or counseling can assist in managing stress, which can trigger or worsen eczema.

6. Insomnia and Food Management: Insomnia and improper food damage body’s immune system and make you more susceptible to eczema or worsen your symptoms. Try your best approaches to get good sleep and avoid the foods inflammatory to you.

It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for a personalized treatment plan based on the severity and specific triggers affecting your eczema. Treatment may need to be adjusted over time, and regular follow-ups can help monitor progress and make necessary changes.

If your eczema turns into chronic and you have tried above medication treatments and non-medication treatments, or you are afraid of potential medication side effects, medication dependence, or the medication effectiveness reduces due to long term use, or even you do not like spending a lot of money on many different moisturizers and realize that your own skin oil (sebum) is the best moisturizer for you, you can try the non-medication alternative methods specific for you here: