Treatment
The main goals of eczema treatment are to:
- Heal the skin and keep it healthy
- Stop scratching or rubbing
- Avoid skin infection
- Prevent flare-ups
- Recognize and avoid precipitating allergens, if there are any
- Learn to avoid scratching
Treatment options may vary. Your doctor may recommend more than one depending on your condition. They include:
Skin Care
- Avoid hot or long baths or showers. Keep them less than15 minutes.
- Use mild, unscented bar soap or nonsoap cleanser. Use it sparingly.
- Air-dry or gently pat dry after bathing. Apply gentle moisturizer right after.
- Treat skin infections immediately.
Medications
- Prescription creams and ointments containing cortisone, tacrolimus, or pimecrolimus
- Oral medications (eg, prednisone or cyclosporine )—for the most severe cases
- Antibiotics applied directly to the skin or taken by mouth (only for treating infections)
- Prescription or over-the-counter antihistamines to help prevent itching
Phototherapy
- Treatment with ultraviolet light (by a doctor)
- Photopheresis—for severe cases
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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