Treatments for Eczema

Eczema causes the inflammation of the skin that can't be cured permanently. Though there is no cure, there are many treatments for eczema that help in controlling the condition. The main goal of the treatment of eczema is to control the eczema skin symptoms. Treatment for eczema helps not only helps in controlling itching but also stops the rash from recurring.

Treatment for eczema depends upon the type of eczema and severity of eczema. Before starting with the treatment of eczema the dermatologist may also take into consideration a patients medical history. There are various treatment options available for treating eczema. They include:

Home Treatment for Eczema

Before going for any other treatments for eczema, a dermatologist may prescribe some home treatments for eczema. There are many effective home remedies for eczema that help in treating the condition. Some home treatments for eczema include:

• Mild Steroid Creams: Mild steroid creams like hydrocortisone acts by suppressing the body's inflammatory response. They help by calming down the breakouts caused due to eczema.
• Emollients: Application of emollients on the rashes is the most common home treatment for eczema. They are nothing but the moisturizers that soothe, smoothes and hydrate the skin. They should be applied directly to the skin just after a bath.

Medication Treatment for Eczema

When the home treatments for eczema don't cure eczema, your dermatologist may prescribe some medications that may heal the rash and stop the itching. They include:

• Topical Corticosteroids: Use of topical corticosteroids like betamethasone, fluticasone and hydrocortisone is the most common and effective treatment for eczema. They help in preventing eczema flares and may be continued till the rash clears. They should be applied directly on the skin.
• Topical Immunosuppressants: Topical Immunosuppressants like pimecrolimus and tacrolimus are the creams or lotions that are directly applied on the skin to reduce the inflammation. They are prescribed only if other treatments of eczema fail to show their effect due to the potential cancer risk associated with them.
• Immunosuppressant Tablets: These tablets are prescribed only in cases of severe eczema. They include ciclosporin or azathioprine. They should not be used for a long period as they can cause severe side effects.
• Oral Steroids: Oral steroids like prednisolone are also used in treatment of severe eczema. They are available in a form of tablets and should be used for a short period.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics like erythromycin or flucloxacillin are used in treatment of an infected rash.
• Antihistamines: Antihistamines like diphenhydramine or hydroxyzine can help people with eczema to sleep and are often used to treat itching. In some people they may not ease itching.

Hospital Treatment for Eczema

If all other treatments for eczema fail and if the eczema is severe, hospital treatment may be required for treating eczema.

• Antiviral Treatment for Eczema: Antiviral treatment may be given in the hospital, if your skin is infected with a herpes simplex virus.
• Light Treatment for Eczema (Phototherapy): This treatment involves the use of natural or use of artificial ultraviolet A or ultraviolet B light. They are used alone or in combination with medications. In light treatment, your skin is exposed to controlled amounts of these lights for some time. This is an effective treatment for eczema but its long-term use may cause some harmful effects.

These were some of the most commonly used treatments for eczema. There are some other treatment options like herbs, herbal creams, herbal medicines and homeopathy that may also help in treating eczema. But remember that before going for any treatment option consult your dermatologist.