Attempting to keep eczema in check can be a frustrating experience. Not only is eczema maddeningly itchy and uncomfortable, it is not very attractive to look at. There are many home remedies and control tips out there, but the causes of eczema vary by each individual, leaving the unlucky sufferer to wonder about the cause and possible solution. There are no sure things, but here are some bits of advice to keep moderate eczema minor and in control.
Eczema-Prone Skin Needs to be Moisturized
Eczema sufferers need to keep their skin moisturized at all times. This is easier said than done, especially with the busy lives many people lead these days. The minimum amount of moisturizing necessary to keep eczema at bay is twice a day.
Another very important factor is the kind of lotion used. Some lotions out there contain fragrances and oils that may be the triggers for the very thing they are supposed to be relieving. Needless to say, they are not very effective for the folks with sensitivity to them. The best bets are plain or extra strength Lubriderm, or a variety of unscented, all natural lotions and moisturizers on the market. The good thing is that these can be applied much more frequently than twice a day, decreasing the chances of an outbreak.
Over-bathing has also been linked to eczema outbreaks, especially with very hot water. The evaporation of water from the skin has a tendency to draw out more moisture, spurring or aggravating the symptoms. There is no definite answer for the correct amount of bathing, but avoidance of scented soaps and body washes is a good practice no matter what. Even with these lifestyle changes, it may not be possible to prevent an outbreak, and more extensive measures must be taken.
Over-the-Counter Anti-Inflammatory Ointments for Eczema
Often sold as an itch suppressant for insect bites, poison oak, or other kinds of uncomfortable rashes, hydrocortisone can be a powerful ally in the fight against eczema. The highest strength available over the counter is 1% and comes in either a cream or petroleum base. While this product is a steroid, it is a rather weak one at this concentration and can be applied to affected areas two or three times a day.
For minor outbreaks of eczema, a combination of plain lotions and hydrocortisone can clear the problem up. This, however, does not always work either depending on the personal triggers of each individual, ranging from stress to diet to other hygiene products. The next step in the fight is a visit to the doctor.
General practitioners can sometimes spot eczema easily, but it is sometimes confused with psoriasis and various kinds of dermatitis. A dermatologist is the only person who can make a fully qualified diagnosis of the problem, but a visit to an expensive specialist is not always necessary. Your doctor will probably start with a prescription for a stronger version of hydrocortisone at 5% strength. This should only be used twice a day, as topical steroids can produce further problems down the line, including simple inefficacy. This may be paired with a mild antifungal cream, as certain kinds of fungus are known to aggravate eczema symptoms and may even be triggers themselves.
For moderate outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe a stronger steroid, triamcinolone. While this product is very effective at combating eczema, its strength requires that it only be used for two weeks at a time, as longer use can lead to thinning of the skin and increased risk of sunburn and melanoma. Usually, this will be enough, but if not, a visit to the specialist is advised.
Severe Eczema Outbreaks and Dermatologists
Figuring out the triggers of your eczema can be half the battle in actually defeating it. An allergy specialist or dermatologist can conduct tests to narrow down the possibilities. If they figure out the problem, eczema can be cleared up with a simple lifestyle or diet change, easing the stress about future outbreaks. However, if no cause can be found, it may be necessary to prescribe more powerful drugs, including injectable or oral steroids. These drugs' use is often limited due to their potentially harmful side effects.
There are also many immunosuppressant drugs on the market today for severe eczema, as some cases are linked to autoimmune disorders. Their use is sometimes avoided as well since they open the body up to other varieties of infection, and may lead to an increased cancer risk.
Ultraviolet light has been known to clear up eczema and psoriasis, and this may be the next step for your dermatologist. Sometimes prohibitively expensive, especially in these times of limited health care coverage, ultraviolet phototherapy can be a powerful tool for eczema sufferers. This is especially pertinent in Northern climates or winter months.
While completely curing eczema may not always be possible, there are many resources out there to help in the fight.
Source: WebMD.com, "Eczema" (accessed January 29, 2011).
Jarod Rhoades - Jarod is a musician and writer who resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. While his main focus is creative writing, he also churns ...
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