What Is Eczema?
Calamine lotion (zinc oxide, ferric oxide) can be put in the refrigerator and helps relieve itching quickly.
Relaxation techniques. There’s a strong link between stress and your skin. Plus, you’re prone to scratch more when your emotions are running high.
Self-hypnosis, meditation, and biofeedback therapy have all been shown to ease eczema symptoms. You may also want to see a therapist. They can help you change habits or negative thought patterns that may be adding to your skin problems.
Learn more about home remedies for eczema.
Medications
Your doctor may also prescribe creams and ointments with corticosteroids to ease inflammation. If the area becomes infected, you’ll probably need antibiotics.
Other options include tar treatments (chemicals that reduce itching), phototherapy (using ultraviolet light), and the drug .
The FDA has approved two medications called topical immunomodulators (TIMs) for mild to moderate eczema. Elidel cream and ointment work by changing your immune system response to prevent flare-ups.
The FDA has warned doctors to use caution with Elidel and Protopic because of concerns over a cancer risk. The two products also carry the FDA’s “black box” warning on their packaging to alert doctors and patients to these potential risks. The warning advises doctors to prescribe Elidel and Protopic for only a short time after other eczema treatments have failed in adults and children over the age of 2. It should not be used in kids under age 2.
A biologic drug called dupilumab (Dupixent) is FDA approved for moderate to severe eczema. Biologics block certain proteins from binding to receptors on your cells. This eases or prevents inflammation by keeping your immune system from overreacting.
Get more details about treatments for eczema.
Eczema Complications
Complications from eczema include:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Loss of sleep because of itching
Read more on the complications from eczema.
Eczema Flare-up Prevention
A few tips can help you prevent outbreaks or keep them from getting worse:
- Moisturize your skin often.
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity.
- Try not to or get too hot. Keeping cool and keeping your home comfortable reduce itch.
- Manage stress, and take time for yourself to relax. Get regular exercise. It can help to control stress and increase circulation.
- Avoid scratchy materials such as wool.
- Don’t use harsh soaps, detergents, or solvents.
- Pay attention to foods that might trigger symptoms and try to avoid them.
- Use a humidifier in your bedroom.
- If your baby is more likely to have eczema because of a family history, it’s best to breastfeed them exclusively for the first 3 months of life, or longer if possible. Doctors advise continuing milk for at least up to 6 months (preferably 1 year) as you introduce your baby to solid food. Babies should also be protected from such potential allergens as pet hair, mites, and molds.
Know more about how to prevent eczema flare-ups.