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Eczema Treatments

So, you have Eczema and you’re looking for a solution. Maybe you’re not satisfied by the help you’ve been offered by your doctor, worried that the treatments have long term side effects you’d rather avoid.

Here is a guide to some of the treatments currently available.

Conventional Treatments

Emollients are moisturisers for dry skin care, to keep the skin hydrated and help prevent itching. There is long clinical experience and some published research to justify the use of topical emollients in the form of gels, creams and lotions to relieve the symptoms of allergic (atopic) Eczema. Bath emollients are used to improve the symptoms and appearance of dry skin conditions and cut down on the use of steroid creams. The theory is that they prevent water loss from the skin and form a protective barrier against external skin irritants.

Some emollients may irritate your skin so be careful what you try and test on a small area first. With anything new, never apply to large areas initially, patch test on a small area. For recommendations of allopathic and natural Emollients, see Chapter 6 of Solve Eczema Naturally.

Topical steroids These are creams that contain a solution of steroid that can work very quickly to reduce outbreaks of Eczema. They are the most common prescribed solution for Eczema and dermatitis.

Oral steroids These are sometimes used for a very short time if the Eczema has flared badly. They work like magic but but cannot be used in the long term as they often cause side effects. More severe forms of Eczema may need longer courses of other tablets that calm down the immune system, such as azathioprine or ciclosporin. They too have side effects that need to be monitored with regular blood tests and visits to the hospital.

Oral Antihistamines These are the most widely used drugs in the treatment of allergic conditions. Their main action is to counter the effect of histamine which is one of the chemicals released in the body when an allergic reaction takes place. They are used to treat a variety of symptoms including itchy skin. Many are available without prescription, others are only from a doctor. The effectiveness varies from person to person.

Oral antibiotics Atopic Eczema can become infected with bacteria, most commonly with Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus species. When your skin is infected your doctor may prescibe a short course and they usually act very quickly. Antibiotics do have side effects so be aware and try avoid infections and frequent antibiotics.

Topical Antibiotic Creams are usually steroid creams which also contain a solution of antibiotic. They may be prescribed with oral antibiotics. Effective for small areas of infection.

Ultra violet therapy can be given in a specialist hospital department and supervised by a dermatologist. There are three types of ultraviolet light treatment, narrow band UVB, UVA and PUVA. Many sufferers find sunlight a great tonic for their skin and report Eczema clear while they're on holiday where there is sea and sun.

Topical immunosuppressants: Some people are benefiting from these new non-steroid creams, tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel). They reduce inflammation in the skin. They are effective treatments for atopic Eczema. They do not thin the skin or cause the side effects associated with topical steroids. Although, theoretically, they might increase the risk of skin cancer they have been found to be safe in use for up to 4 years.

Alternative Treatments - these are just a selection of Eczema remedies, there are many.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs are standard treatment in China to treat skin complaints. Some people have had great successes with both. However most doctors would not recommend the use of herbs as their ingredients are not regulated. Potential side effects are therefore unpredictable. Liver problems have been known to occur with Chinese herbs, and patients taking them should be monitored for side effects. Do check the practitioner's qualfications and consult your doctor.

Homeopathy is a successful treatment for some Eczema sufferers and is particularly effective for young children and babies. There are cases of people who have taken a remedy and the Eczema has never come back. Other times the process can take many months of trial and error. It has been very successful for me in the past. Ask for recommendations for individual practitioners. Some homeopaths are also medically qualifiied and may even specialise in treating skin problems.

Nutritional Therapy is, in my opinion, essential to a long-term solution to Eczema. What we eat is so crucial to nourish our bodies and absorption of our food is often an issue in Eczema and atopic conditions.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils in therapeutic methods such as creams, compresses and massage. There are aromatherapists who have had great success treating clients with Eczema. Do use oils cautiously, there are natural, very powerful medicines. I am an aromatherapist myself and find that I can rarely use essential oils my skin as they are very easily aborbed and irritants too. For more information see the free download Aromtherapy for Dry Skin and Eczema.

Plus many more successes have been recorded with other therapies. See Chapters 7 and 9 of Solve Eczema Naturally.

General measures to control Eczema include

Allergy testing.
Avoiding allergens.
Wearing loose cotton clothing.
Keeping nails short in attempt to prevent damage from scratching.
Avoid exposure to harsh soaps and bubble baths

To find out more about treatment for Eczema I highly recommend you download our ebook and read my recommendations in Chapters 6, 7, 9 and 10.

You can get my ebook here.

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Medical Disclaimer: The information on this website and in our manuals and bonuses are not intended to replace a personal relationship with a qualified health care professional nor is it intended as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Our information is intended as a sharing of information and knowledge from the research and experience of Rosemary Cunningham, Dry-Skin-Eczema-Treatment.com. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information given in this leaflet is accurate, not every treatment will be suitable or effective for every person. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns about your skin health. He or she will be able to advise in greater detail.