The most common form of chronic eczema, atopic dermatitis, requires continual skin care to manage symptoms of itchy, sensitive skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that it may take a combination of therapies plus health-conscious lifestyle choices to avoid flare-ups.
Effective atopic eczema treatment may include oral, topical and injected medicines, daily skin care and avoidance techniques. Chronic seborrhea, a dermatitis that mainly affects the scalp, is treated with prescription shampoos.
Clinical Treatments
Patients with the most stubborn cases of dry, red, sensitive skin will need prescription eczema treatments. Eczema is associated with allergies, so patch tests and allergy shots may be recommended by dermatologists. Prescription corticosteroid tablets or injections may be suggested to control painful itching.
If those fail, the Mayo Clinic notes, immunomodulator medications such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus may be used as a last resort. Phototherapy using a synthetic UVA/UVB light box may also be used under a doctor's supervision. Skin infections are usually cured with prescription antibiotics.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Nonprescription eczema treatments address itching and allergy symptoms. The University of Maryland (UM) Medical Center pronounces antihistamines such as loratadine, fexofenadine and cetirizene effective for ongoing relief from allergy triggers. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream also eases skin itching temporarily.
Home Remedies
The AAD calls daily cleansing and moisturizing the most important home remedies for eczema treatment. Reducing bacteria on the skin surface and maintaining the skin's moisture balance reduce the frequency of flare-ups. Skin care products should be formulated for sensitive skin, without dyes or perfumes. The Mayo Clinic suggests periodic bleach baths, made with ½ cup bleach to 40 gallons of water, to eliminate bacteria buildup.
Once skin has flared, itching can be calmed with warm baths infused with colloidal oatmeal. This finely ground oatmeal soothes and smooths flaky, sensitive skin. In between baths, cool, wet compresses can relieve the pain and itching. Patients with seborrheic eczema should follow a home care regimen recommended by their dermatologists.
Lifestyle Changes
Practicing daily skin care and avoiding allergy triggers should become part of a healthy lifestyle for eczema patients. The AAD counts bubble bath, laundry soaps, cleaning products, cosmetics and even finger paints among common eczema triggers. Keeping a record of suspect substances following a flare-up will help patients to avoid them the next time around.
The AAD notes that sweating creates many eczema rashes. Dressing in layers and managing anxiety can decrease instances of sweating. Patients should consider practicing yoga, meditation or a relaxing hobby on a regular basis to moderate stress-induced eczema symptoms.
