Eczema Treatments

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 © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.