There is not a cure for eczema. Instead, the goal of eczema treatment is to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Atopic dermatitis, a common type of eczema, usually begins in childhood, but it can also begin in adulthood. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases estimates that atopic dermatitis affects 1 to 3 percent of adults. Hand eczema that develops in adulthood is often the result of job-related conditions.
Types
A dermatologist will typically recommend a combination of therapies for treating eczema. Medications for eczema treatment include topical steroids, systemic steroids, topical immunomodulators and antihistamines. Scratching hinders the healing process, and behavior modification techniques can lessen scratching. While stress does not cause eczema, it can trigger a flare-up. Stress reduction techniques can be a form of eczema treatment. Some eczema patients respond to phototherapy, a type of treatment that exposes the skin to ultraviolet light.
Time Frame
Eczema can be a stubborn skin condition. According to the National Eczema Association, it can take months to clear an outbreak of hand eczema and a year of careful hand care to prevent another outbreak. Seeking treatment early can help speed healing. Left unchecked, the eczema can continue to worsen and it becomes more difficult to get the condition under control.
Effects
Effective eczema treatment can greatly improve the quality of an adult's life. Eczema can be painful, and the constant itch can make it difficult to concentrate at work. Visible patches of eczema can negatively affect an individual's self-esteem and body image. An adult with hand eczema might be reluctant to shake hands.
Prevention
It is important to continue with the prescribed treatment plan even after the eczema is under control. Abandoning the treatment plan may result in another flare-up of eczema. Protect skin that is prone to eczema by avoiding substances that might trigger a flare-up. Common eczema triggers include perspiration, frequent hand washing, nickel, and exposure to chemicals. A skin care routine that includes frequent moisturizing can help prevent an outbreak of eczema.
Warning
Untreated eczema can create broken skin, which can lead to infection. The side effects of repeated or prolonged use of topical corticosteroids include thinning of the skin. The side effects of systemic corticosteroids can include skin damage, thinned or weakened bones, and cataracts. Topical immunomodulators are a controversial eczema treatment. While the FDA has approved topical pimecrolimus and tacrolimus for some eczema patients, the FDA issued a warning that these drugs may have a possible cancer risk. However, the American Academy of Dermatology states that the cancer incidence in patients using this type of medication "does not exceed the number of cancers expected in the population at large."
