1. Prescription Creams Are Most Popular
The most popular treatment for eczema in mainstream medicine involves the use of prescription creams. Untreated, nearly 80 percent of eczema cases do clear up within 5 years. However, the itching and unsightly skin patches associated with eczema are usually enough to prompt individuals to seek treatment. You can apply prescription creams such as Elidel directly to the affected areas. The key is to use only the smallest amount of cream that's necessary. Apply the cream lightly, and don't use a prescription cream for longer than the time period your doctor recommends.
2. Find Relief With Zinc
If you're turned off by the possible side effects of prescription creams, particularly steroid creams, other more natural options exist. Some studies have shown that having a zinc deficiency contributes to the appearance of eczema. You won't even have to take zinc supplements to remedy this situation, which is particularly helpful if you're the parent of a young child who has eczema. Apply a diaper rash cream directly to the eczema. Diaper rash cream like Burt's Bees Diaper Ointment contains zinc oxide, and applying zinc cream directly to the affected areas can help to clear up the skin. Another great natural option to use is evening primrose oil. Simply break open a few evening primrose oil capsules and add it to you or your child's bath. You can also apply the liquid directly to dry skin for quicker relief.
3. Don't Confuse Eczema and Psoriasis
Many physicians misdiagnose eczema and psoriasis, and consumers have just as much difficulty seeing the differences between them. The 2 skin conditions can look similar, which makes them difficult to diagnose. Eczema is much more common in young children with a whopping 90 percent of the cases diagnosed before age of 5. If you've had clear skin all your life, and get itchy patches that look like eczema for the first time as an adult, it's more likely that you have psoriasis.
4. Do I Need More Sun?
Eczema often clears up during the summer months because indoor air is not as dry as it is during the winter months. Apply moisturizer to slightly damp skin during the winter months. Sun exposure is also helpful for eczema, since some studies have shown a link between eczema and vitamin D deficiency. Some doctors even recommend tanning beds to individuals who have eczema. Check with your doctor to determine if increased sun exposure or phototherapy outweighs the possible risks such as premature wrinkles and skin cancer.
5. Keep an Eye on Your Laundry
What do eczema and laundry have in common? Skin irritants often cause eczema or make existing eczema worse. Read the ingredient label on your laundry detergent. If your detergent contains harsh chemicals, you might be making your eczema worse. Try switching to an allergy-free laundry detergent. They cost more, but sometimes individuals see immediate improvement in their eczema.
