Eczema is a term used to describe multiple types of inflamed skin conditions. Ten to twenty percent of the world's population suffer from a form of eczema. In this article you will learn about the various treatment options for eczema.
If you suffer from eczema, you are not alone. In fact, millions of people go to their doctors each year in search of treatment for eczema. Eczema is an irritating skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, cracking, and flaking. In extreme conditions, eczema can lead to bleeding and even scarring.
There are many ways of treating eczema. The most conservative treatment consists of applying daily moisturizer to skin, since dryness tends to exacerbate eczema. Moisturizer should be applied after bathing to lock in moisture. Special creams can be purchased either via a prescription or over the counter to help create a more robust moisture layer on the skin.
If conservative treatments for eczema are not effective, the second course of treatment available is generally a steroid. Steroids help the body dampen inflammation, and therefore can relieve many of the symptoms of eczema and stop a flare-up in its tracks. Weak steroids, such as hydrocortisone, are available for over the counter purchase. Stronger steroids, available in the form of a cream or an oral medication, need to be obtained through a doctor's prescription.
Finally, there are several other medications that can be used in severe or constant eczema cases. Some medications are immune system modulators that trick the body into decreasing the inflammatory response. Other medications may include antibiotics, which are helpful because sometimes an infective condition has been created due to severe damage of the outer layer of skin.
If you are concerned about using potent medications which may have side effects, you may try using oatmeal baths or moisturizing creams containing oatmeal to alleviate eczema. Studies have also shown that sea water or salt water baths may be helpful, because they can kill microorganisms on the skin.
Although there are many types of treatment for eczema, most doctors agree that it is best to try to prevent eczema flare-ups in the first place. Applying a daily moisturizer, as described earlier, is essential. Eczema sufferers should also avoid soaps and detergents. Many soap-free cleanser products are available at the drugstore that are safe for people with eczema.
Also of value for people looking for a treatment for eczema is allergy testing. You might not be aware that many eczema cases are caused or worsened by food or chemical allergies. Many people find relief after eliminating dairy, wheat, and other foods from their diet, as well as avoiding certain chemicals and additives in soaps, shampoos, and foods. However, you will need to get a comprehensive allergy test panel to be sure if these kind of restrictions might be helpful for you.
Allergies to dust mites can also be a trigger for eczema sufferers. Some people find that using a specially designed filtered vacuum cleaner, using a home air filtration device, or using anti-dust pillow and blanket covers can be helpful in reducing eczema flare-ups.
If you suffer from eczema, you are not alone. In fact, millions of people go to their doctors each year in search of treatment for eczema. Eczema is an irritating skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, cracking, and flaking. In extreme conditions, eczema can lead to bleeding and even scarring.
There are many ways of treating eczema. The most conservative treatment consists of applying daily moisturizer to skin, since dryness tends to exacerbate eczema. Moisturizer should be applied after bathing to lock in moisture. Special creams can be purchased either via a prescription or over the counter to help create a more robust moisture layer on the skin.
If conservative treatments for eczema are not effective, the second course of treatment available is generally a steroid. Steroids help the body dampen inflammation, and therefore can relieve many of the symptoms of eczema and stop a flare-up in its tracks. Weak steroids, such as hydrocortisone, are available for over the counter purchase. Stronger steroids, available in the form of a cream or an oral medication, need to be obtained through a doctor's prescription.
Finally, there are several other medications that can be used in severe or constant eczema cases. Some medications are immune system modulators that trick the body into decreasing the inflammatory response. Other medications may include antibiotics, which are helpful because sometimes an infective condition has been created due to severe damage of the outer layer of skin.
If you are concerned about using potent medications which may have side effects, you may try using oatmeal baths or moisturizing creams containing oatmeal to alleviate eczema. Studies have also shown that sea water or salt water baths may be helpful, because they can kill microorganisms on the skin.
Although there are many types of treatment for eczema, most doctors agree that it is best to try to prevent eczema flare-ups in the first place. Applying a daily moisturizer, as described earlier, is essential. Eczema sufferers should also avoid soaps and detergents. Many soap-free cleanser products are available at the drugstore that are safe for people with eczema.
Also of value for people looking for a treatment for eczema is allergy testing. You might not be aware that many eczema cases are caused or worsened by food or chemical allergies. Many people find relief after eliminating dairy, wheat, and other foods from their diet, as well as avoiding certain chemicals and additives in soaps, shampoos, and foods. However, you will need to get a comprehensive allergy test panel to be sure if these kind of restrictions might be helpful for you.
Allergies to dust mites can also be a trigger for eczema sufferers. Some people find that using a specially designed filtered vacuum cleaner, using a home air filtration device, or using anti-dust pillow and blanket covers can be helpful in reducing eczema flare-ups.
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