How Can You Treat Eczema

Oral And Injectable Medications

In addition to topical medications that keep the skin hydrated as a means of managing dry skin and itchiness, oral and injectable medications have been approved to help manage symptoms such as itching. These include biologics , immunosuppressants , and JAK inhibitors .

Dupilumab is the first FDA-approved biologic drug for the treatment of moderate to severe eczema in people who have not responded well to topical approaches. A self-administered injectable drug, dupilumab works by blocking the activity of certain inflammatory chemicals in the body, and it is sometimes used in conjunction with light therapy.

The side effects of dupilumab are generally mild, and they include pink eye, injection site reactions, and cold sores.

Tralokinumab-ldrm is the second injectable biologic approved by the FDA.

It works by blocking a protein that plays a role in the bodys immune response that leads to inflammation of the skin.

In especially severe eczema cases, doctors may prescribe an oral immunosuppressant, such as cyclosporine , methotrexate , or mycophenolate .

These drugs carry potentially serious side effects, such as an increased risk of developing dangerous infections and cancers.

What Is Eczemaand How Can You Treat It

Keep this itchy, red rash at bay with a dermatologist’s advice.

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Everyone can relate to experiencing skin irritation, however minor or major it may seem at the time. One of the most common skin conditions is eczema, which presents itself as a dry, red, and often itchy rash anywhere on the body. Its not usually serious, but it can certainly cause discomfort and requires special treatment.

To better understand what causes eczema and how to treat it, we spoke with Dr. Suzanne Friedler, a board-certified dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology PC in New York City.

Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your childâs illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Read Also: How Does Hydrocortisone Help Eczema

When To See Your Doctor

Eczema symptoms range from mild to severe and make you more prone to skin infections. See a doctor if you or your child are experiencing:

• Discomfort and pain that keeps you from sleeping or functioning normally
• Excessive eczema symptoms even after trying over-the-counter or home treatments
• Worsening skin infections â especially if they include pus, red streaks, or yellow scabs

If any or all of these symptoms are accompanied by a fever, seek medical attention immediately.

Oral Or Injected Immunosuppressants

Oral immunosuppressant medications prevent the bodys immune system from sending an inflammatory response to the skin, which results in less itching, redness, and rash.

Immunosuppressant medications are available in varying strengths, and doctors determine the dosage based on your age, severity of symptoms, location and extent of the rash, your weight, and whether you have other medical conditions. Typically, these medications are taken once or twice daily, although the dosage can vary.

If eczema or dermatitis is severe, a doctor may recommend immunosuppressant medication that is injected into the skin. Your dermatologist determines the appropriate schedule of injections. He or she may administer the injections in a doctors office or show you how to do it so you can inject the medication at home.

Dermatologists may prescribe immunosuppressant medication for weeks or months or until symptoms of eczema or dermatitis are under control. Often, our doctors may reduce or stop a prescription at that time to see whether symptoms can be managed using topical medication, , or at-home therapies.

In some instances when symptoms cant be relieved by other treatments, therapy with immunosuppressant medications may continue for years. Your doctor can discuss side effects of immunosuppressant medications.

Read Also: What Is Eczema And Psoriasis

Eczema Coping Tips Good Hygiene

Skin affected by eczema is more vulnerable to a range of infections, including impetigo, cold sores and warts. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus may cause a secondary infection of impetigo, and possibly contribute to the symptoms of eczema.Suggestions for washing include:

• Take lukewarm baths or showers, and avoid really hot showers.
• Dont use ordinary soap, as the ingredients may aggravate your eczema. Wash your body with warm water alone. For armpits and groin, use soap-free products, such as sorbolene cream.
• Bath oils can help to moisturise your skin while bathing.
• When towelling dry, pat rather than rub your skin.

Effective Home Remedies For Eczema On Scalp

Eczema is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. It is often referred to as seborrheic dermatitis found, for the most part, on the scalp. This form of dermatitis is commonly known as dandruff. However, if one invests some time, energy, and effort, this condition can be controlled at home with the help of home remedies for eczema on the scalp.

Scalp eczema is often characterized as a stubborn form of skin condition since it may persist for years. The condition may resurface after a number of years and may disappear overnight. For this reason, it is important to manage the symptoms of this form of eczema since it is not completely curable like other conditions.

Contents

Also Check: Does A Humidifier Help Eczema

Also Check: What Is The Latest Treatment For Eczema

How Is Eczema Treated

There is no cure for eczema. But treatments can help with symptoms. The doctor will recommend different treatments based on how severe the symptoms are, the childâs age, and where the rash is. Some are âtopicalâ and applied to the skin. Others are taken by mouth.

Topical moisturizers. Skin should be moisturized often . The best time to apply moisturizer is after a bath or shower, with the skin patted dry gently. Ointments and creams are best because they contain a lot of oil. Lotions have too much water to be helpful.

Topical corticosteroids, also called cortisone or steroid creams or ointments. These ease skin inflammation. Itâs important not to use a topical steroid prescribed for someone else. These creams and ointments vary in strength, and using the wrong strength in sensitive areas can damage the skin, especially in infants.

Other topical anti-inflammatory medicines. These include medicines that change the way the skinâs immune system reacts.

Medicine taken by mouth. These can include antihistamines to help itchy kids sleep better at night, antibiotics if a rash gets infected by bacteria, and corticosteroid pills or other medicines that suppress the immune system.

Other types of treatment can include:

• wet wraps: damp cloths placed on irritated areas of skin
• bleach baths: bathing in very diluted bleach solution

Also Check: Dyshidrotic Eczema And Rheumatoid Arthritis

Can Eczema Cause Eyebrow Hair Loss

You may wonder whether eczema on eyebrow hair loss is possible. In order to have healthy hair, you must first have healthy skin. While eczema on the scalp can cause eczema hair loss, eczema on eyebrows can also have an effect on eyebrow hair. You may lose hair due to skin inflammation or dry skin. Rubbing or itching the eyebrow area can also damage hair follicles and result in eyebrow hair loss. Thats why its so important to manage itchy symptoms and avoid relentless scratching.

Recommended Reading: Does Baby Oil Help Eczema

Eczema Home Remedies For Infants And Children

Cool compresses and colloidal oatmeal baths can help many children who have eczema. Parents might also:

• Distract your child. Play a game, give your child a snack, or tell them a story. Donât just tell them to stop scratching. This usually makes things worse.
• Use eczema mittens or sleeves. These will keep babies from scratching and damaging skin.
• Give a gentle pinch near the irritated skin. A very soft pinch on unaffected skin can ease itching.
• Have older kids tap the skin around an itchy spot.

Show Sources

When Should You See A Dermatologist

If your eczema is painful or the itch isn’t getting any better, see a dermatologist for treatment.

Its never a bad idea to consult your dermatologist about your skin, particularly if you have questions or concerns about a condition. If your eczema is painful or youre having difficulty controlling the dryness or itchiness, thats the time to lean on your doctor. For the itch, your dermatologist may suggest you try an over-the-counter antihistamine, like Allegra or Zyrtec, or they may prescribe you steroid or steroid-free topical products that can calm down the rash more effectively than a normal moisturizer.

The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on , , and for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Recommended Reading: I Have Eczema In My Ears

How Is Eczema Diagnosed In Adults

In adults, its important not to diagnose eczema too quickly and ignore other possibilities. It may look like eczema, but other diseases, like skin cancer, may present similarly. So a thorough evaluation is necessary to rule out other serious conditions.

A primary care physician may be able to diagnose your eczema, but they might refer you to a dermatologist for specialized care.

Although theres no specific test to diagnose eczema, a healthcare professional may be able to identify your symptoms as eczema.

You may be asked questions about your:

• family history of allergies and eczema
• personal history of eczema
• skin care routine
• recent stressors

To rule out other conditions, a doctor may order a skin scraping or a small skin biopsy.

What Do I Need To Know About Immunosuppressants Used To Treat Eczema

• Not specifically approved to treat eczema sometimes used off-label for moderate-to-severe eczema.
• Sometimes used as an alternative to phototherapy.
• Very strong medications, developed for chemotherapy and to prevent organ rejection after transplants.
• Require short-term use and regular blood test monitoring by a doctor.Side effects may include blood pressure and kidney or liver problems.

You May Like: Can You Swim With Eczema

Eczema Symptoms In People Of Color

In People of Color, an eczema rash may appear gray or brown. This can make outbreaks harder to see.

However, People of Color who get eczema may also get dark or light skin patches even after eczema symptoms go away. These can last a long time. Doctors call these patches hyperpigmentation and depigmentation or hypopigmentation.

A dermatologist can evaluate these patches, which may respond to treatments like steroid creams.

The following atopic dermatitis symptoms are common in babies under the age of 2:

• rashes on the scalp and cheeks
• rashes that bubble up before leaking fluid
• rashes that can cause extreme itchiness, which may interfere with sleeping

What Causes Atopic Dermatitis

The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not known. It runs in families, which suggests a genetic link. Its also linked to asthma and allergies. There is likely an alteration of the proteins in the skin that leads to atopic dermatitis.

Certain triggers can make atopic dermatitis worse. For example, stress, hot or cold temperature, dry conditions, certain fabrics, or detergents can cause a flare-up.

Also Check: Doctors Who Specialize In Eczema

Top 5 Most Common Otc Treatments For Eczema

Eczema treatment can go beyond prescribed medication. There are many OTC products which can provide hydration and itch relief, stop some skin types from becoming scaly and prevent skin dryness. Check out these four OTC products and see how they might work with your eczema therapy and treatment plan.

What Should I Expect With Phototherapy

During your visit, you will apply a moisturizing oil to the skin and stand in a large cabinet undressed except for underwear and goggles to protect the eyes. The light-emitting machine will be activated for a short time usually just seconds to minutes and it will either treat the entire body or just certain exposed areas. It may take one or two months of steady treatment with phototherapy to start to see improvement in eczema symptoms, and at that point, the frequency of the visits can sometimes be reduced or stopped for a period to see if the eczema is in remission.

Potential side effects of phototherapy include:

• Sunburn and skin tenderness
• Premature skin aging

Don’t Miss: Body Scrub Good For Eczema

How Can I Prevent Baby Eczema

Since several factors can cause eczema in your baby, theres no way to completely prevent the condition. You can help your baby reduce their risk of developing a flare-up of symptoms by:

• Avoiding triggers, irritants and allergens.
• Using moisturizer on your babys skin daily.
• Giving your baby baths with warm, not hot, water that is between five to 10 minutes long.
• Choosing moisturizers or ointments without fragrance, designed for babies.

Be Proactive And Visit Our Dermatology Offices

Instead of living with painful, irritating symptoms of eczema, take action, and schedule an appointment with an Orlando dermatologist.These highly-trained specialists, like Dr. Naveed Sami, work with patients to understand their complete medical history and create a healthcare plan accordingly.

Its crucial to recognize eczema symptoms early in order to avoid worse, long-term effects like scarring, infections, and mental health issues. Our skin is the bodys largest organ and protects us from a whole host of external factors. Maintaining a moisturized, healthy barrier is crucial to a higher quality of life.

UCF Health provides ample eczema resources as well as COVID-19 updates for patients so that our community can stay happy, healthy, and informed. Take charge of your health care through our convenient patient portal and start on the path to better health and wellbeing.

You May Like: Skin Repair Cream For Eczema

Ways To Relieve Itchy Eczema At Home

Telling your child to stop scratching itchy skin rarely works.

Eczema is just too itchy, and telling your child to stop scratching can feel stressful. Stress often makes eczema worse.

Safety tips

• Dont let your child eat the finely ground oatmeal.

• Colloidal oatmeal makes the bath very slippery, so take care to prevent a slip or fall.

What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Eczema

The signs of eczema :

• are mainly dry, itchy skin. Because it is so itchy, it is often called “the itch that rashes.”
• include redness, scales, and bumps that can leak fluid and then crust over
• tend to come and go. When they get worse, it is called a flare-up.
• may be more noticeable at night

Symptoms can vary:

• Infants younger than 1 year old usually have the eczema rash on their cheeks, forehead, or scalp. It may spread to the knees, elbows, and trunk .

• Older kids and teens usually get the rash in the bends of the elbows, behind the knees, on the neck, or on the inner wrists and ankles. Their skin is often scalier and drier than when the eczema first began. It also can be thicker, darker, or scarred from all the scratching .

Don’t Miss: Can I Have Eczema On My Scalp

Treating Baby Eczema Naturally

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that can make your baby miserable. Babies and children with eczema have dry, sensitive skin that is easily irritated by fabrics, soaps and laundry detergents and even hot or cold weather.

The Eczema Rash

A baby with eczema will get a red rash. This rash can appear very scaly and will itch. The rash can crack, weep or even bleed. An eczema rash can also be spotty, resembling chicken pox.

With a very young baby, you may find that the rash will most often appear on their cheeks, nappy region and scalp. As your child grows, the rash can be found almost anywhere on the body. It is most common at the elbows, the back of the neck and even the hands. You will be relieved to know that most babies and toddlers will outgrow eczema by the time they reach the teen years, although some will continue to have eczema flares throughout their adult lives.

How to Manage Eczema

If you think your baby may have eczema, it is advisable to see your paediatrician to confirm your suspicions. Eczema cannot be cured, but the skin condition can be effectively managed with a few lifestyle changes.