Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, has no cure, but mild forms of the condition can be treated with over-the-counter products. Eczema produces patches of skin that may be red, scaly, or oozing. While OTC products can provide some relief, consider asking your dermatologist for prescription medication should the condition worsen.
Emollients and Moisturizers
Emollients and moisturizers can both be important in the treatment of eczema. Emollients prevent the skin from losing moisture, while moisturizers lock moisture into the skin. To be effective in the treatment of eczema, emollients and moisturizers must be applied several times throughout the day. According to the National Eczema Association, moisturizers with a petroleum base are more effective in treating eczema than those with lighter bases.
Coal Tar Products
Coal tar has been used for many years to treat eczema. Coal tar creams and ointments can help to control flaking, itching, and redness that typically occurs with eczema. When using preparations containing coal tar, be certain to cover the area with a protective covering, as coal tar stains most everything it contacts. Coal tar ointments typically are not pleasant smelling, but many additional fragrances added to ointments only further irritate eczema.
Barrier Repair Moisturizers
Barrier repair moisturizers are special moisturizers that not only help the skin to retain moisture but also work to heal the skin. Barrier repair moisturizers are often paraben and fragrance free to prevent further skin irritation. Barrier repair creams must be used regularly to be of maximum benefit to eczema patients.
Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone cream is sometimes recommended for treating eczema in children and infants. A 1 percent hydrocortisone cream is considered safe for even young children, according to Dr Sears of AskDrSears.com. Should the OTC cream not alleviate the itch, consider consulting with your physician for a mild, prescription-strength cortisone cream.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines can be helpful in controlling eczema itch. Applying antihistamine cream with diphenydramine as an active ingredient can reduce intense itching. However, applying the cream to skin that is broken can result in an infection. If eczema patches are extremely itchy at night, consider using an oral antihistamine medication to both calm the itch and help induce sleep.
Antibacterial Creams
Scratching eczema patches can result in skin tears and breaks, opening the door for a bacterial infection. Over-the-counter antibacterial medications can help ward off bacterial infections which complicate eczema. Antibacterial creams should be used only for short periods of time as a preventative measure. Consult with a physician if an infection does develop in order to obtain oral antibiotics.
Herbal Creams
Herbal creams are a natural way to attempt to treat eczema, although there is little reliable evidence of their effectiveness. Creams made with chamomile, witch hazel and licorice are sometimes used to treat eczema. Gamolenic acid, also known as evening primrose oil, is another potential treatment for eczema, though the scientific data regarding its effectiveness is inconclusive.
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