Eczema is a general term for a family of skin conditions characterized by the inflammation and irritation of the skin resulting in swollen, itchy, scaly, patches on the skin. While the exact cause of some types of eczema is unknown, researchers believe that atopic dermatitis, the most common and chronic form of eczema, is caused by a combination of factors such as an overactive immune system, allergic reaction, and inheritance of the genetic component that causes this disease. While there is no cure for eczema, dermatologist are able to manage the symptoms of eczema by prescribing steroids, utilizing phototherapy and informing the patients of at-home remedies to properly condition and hydrate the skin.
Bleach Bath
Since eczema is characterize by inflamed, swollen and at times weepy skin due to bacterial infections, the first line of treatment involves keeping the skin clean and hydrated. Dermatologist recommend taking short, daily baths and using mild soaps and body lotions such as Dove, Oil of Olay or Cetaphil. These soaps and body lotions do not contain irritants such as fragrance or alcohol and are proven to moisturize the skin. Additionally, dermatologist recommend a bleach bath for individuals suffering from eczema because bacterial infections are often associated with eczema and are known to exacerbate the inflammation, redness, and skin irritation associated with eczema. According to the Mayo Clinic, a bleach bath when combined with other medications and daily moisturizers is effective at treating eczema because the antimicrobial properties of bleach kills infections such as staph bacteria that grow on the skin and exacerbate the symptoms of eczema.
Corticosteroids
Topical steroids such as corticosteroids are frequently prescribed by dermatologists for treatment of eczema. Corticosteroids are hormones produced by the adrenal glands. They are responsible for controlling inflammatory responses and thus are frequently prescribed by dermatologists due to their effectiveness in reducing the inflammation and flare-ups associated with eczema. Topical steroids are easily absorbed by skin and actively prevent skin cells from producing vasodilating inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins allow other inflammatory and immunological substances such as cytokines and eosinophiles to arrive in a localized area, resulting in the skin becoming itchy, painful, and swollen. Corticosteroids used in the treatment of eczema are classified according to their vasoconstriction strength and range from low potency glucocorticosteroid such as hydrocortisone to prescription only, highly potent glucocorticosteroids such as clobetasol propionate and fluocinonide.
Phototherapy-
Light treatment or phototherapy is prescribed for individuals with severe and unresponsive eczema. According to EczemaNet, an eczema-focused website developed by the American Academy of Dermatology, UV light of certain frequencies affects the immune system and effectively prevents the immune system from producing elevated levels of Th2 antibodies and peripheral esosinophiles, which are associated with skin inflammation and eczema. Additionally, a clinical study in Germany investigating the effects of phototherapy on cases of severe atopic dermatitis showed that more than 80 percent of the patients showed significant improvement when treated with phototherapy, and in some individuals, there was a complete clearance of atopic dermatitis within a period of three weeks, according to EczemaNet.
