Eczema – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments – Healthgrades

Eczema is a chronic condition that is not curable. However, with a well-integrated, medically monitored plan of care, symptoms can be effectively controlled, and people with eczema can lead active, comfortable lives. A good treatment plan is individualized to your medical history, the specific type and severity of your eczema, the specific cause, and other factors.

A combination of treatments that include lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments as appropriate is the most effective way to control eczema and prevent flare-ups.

Lifestyle changes and general treatments for eczema

Lifestyle changes and considerations for treating eczema include:

Avoiding alcohol and caffeine

Avoiding hot tubs, steam baths, saunas, and chlorinated swimming pools

Avoiding scratchy clothes

Drinking plenty of fluids

Getting skin patch testing, in which small amounts of common allergens are applied methodically to the skin to determine what substances are triggering the allergic response that leads to the eczema

Minimizing skin dryness by using lotion specifically designed for sensitive skin

Preventing flare-ups by avoiding exposure to the specific allergen or allergens that induce the condition

Using a cool mist vaporizer or home humidifier

Using a perfume-free moisturizer

Using an oatmeal-based soap, such as Aveeno, to help relieve itching and inflammation

Using ice bags or cool wet compresses to help relieve itching and inflammation

Using mild soaps and not over washing or harshly scrubbing skin

Medications used to treat eczema

In moderate to severe cases of eczema, medications may be prescribed. Medications may include:

Antibiotics or antifungal drugs, which treat secondary bacterial or fungal infections

Antihistamines, which reduce itching

Corticosteroid cream, which reduces inflammation

These medications can all have side effects, so they should only be used under the direction of a licensed health care clinician.

When left untreated, eczema can develop into an escalating cycle of itching, scratching and inflammation. In some cases, the excessive scratching can introduce bacteria or fungus into the layers of the skin, resulting in infections that can be serious in some people. Complications include:

Bacterial or fungal infection of the skin

Cellulitis (an infection of the skin and surrounding tissues caused by a growing bacterial or fungal infection)

Open sores and lesions

Permanent change in skin texture or scarring

Permanent skin discoloration

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Eczema - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments - Healthgrades