Eczema Treatment

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory condition that causes itchy, rough, and cracked patches of skin. Home remedies and medical treatment can help manage and prevent flares.

Most people can manage their symptoms by getting treatment and by avoiding irritants, things that can affect your skin when you come into contact with them. Extreme itchiness is the No. 1 overall symptom of eczema, and scratching that itch only makes it worse.

Over 31 million Americans have eczema. The periods of time when symptoms are at their worst are called "flare-ups." These can last for days or even weeks.

Eczema Symptoms:

Eczema looks different for everyone. And your flare-ups won’t always happen in the same area.

No matter which part of your skin eczema affects, it's almost always itchy. The itching sometimes starts before the rash. Your skin may also be: Red, Dry, Cracked and Leathery

Many people find their symptoms get worse at night, making it difficult to sleep. Scratching eczema further irritates and inflames the skin. This can cause infections that must be treated with antibiotics.

Sometimes, mild eczema can be managed at home by avoiding triggers and keeping skin moisturized. However, it’s best to see a doctor when symptoms are hard to manage or are getting worse. It’s a good idea to make a medical appointment if your:

• eczema isn’t responding to over-the-counter treatments
• symptoms are keeping you awake at night
• symptoms are making it hard to complete everyday tasks
• skin is blistering or weeping fluids
• skin is peeling
• skin is getting thick or scaly

There’s no specific test that can be used to diagnose eczema. Often, a doctor can diagnose the condition by talking with you about your symptoms and examining your skin. Sometimes, a patch test might be done to help find eczema triggers.

A patch test can pinpoint certain allergens that trigger symptoms, like skin allergies associated with contact dermatitis

During a patch test, an allergen is applied to a patch that’s placed on the skin. Your skin will become inflamed and irritated if the allergen is a trigger for you.

Available Eczema Treatments

There is no cure for eczema, but many treatments are available and more are on the horizon. In fact, there is currently an unprecedented number of new treatments for eczema in development. Some people with eczema find potential treatment by participating in clinical trials, the scientific process of developing new drug therapies.

Depending on the type of eczema and severity, treatments include lifestyle changes, over-the-counter (OTC) remedies or prescription medication. Eczema symptoms can be different for everyone. Not everyone will respond to the same treatment plan in the same way, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with all of the options and consult with your healthcare provider to find a treatment regimen that works for you or your child.

When to see your doctor

Contact your doctor right away if you've been taking steps to manage your symptoms and notice any of the following:

• Signs of an infection, such as a fever, redness, warmth, pus, or blisters
• Your eczema suddenly changes or gets worse
• Treatments aren’t working