Written by: Ayesha Khan, MBBS
In a Nutshell
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition of skin that is non-contagious. It is characterized by appearance of red, scaly, cracked, and itchy patches on skin. In severe cases, blistering may also occur. According to latest estimates, eczema affects about 30% of the US population.
Eczema is an uncomfortable condition that has no cure so far. However, you can manage the symptoms with appropriate treatment (i.e. topical agents to control the symptoms), avoiding irritants, and basic self-care.
Simple Treatment Regimen
Symptoms of eczema are often unpredictable. Some people develop flares around a specific time of the year, while others experience symptoms all year long.
The goal eczema treatment is to moisturize the skin, reduce itchiness, redness and flaring of skin and minimize the risk of infection. Eczema symptoms are different for different people so, the remedy that is beneficial for one person may not be as effective for another individual. Treatment plan varies according to the severity and type of eczema and includes a combination of:
- Lifestyle changes
- Prescription and over the counter medications (oral, injectable, and topical drugs)
- Biologic drugs
- Phototherapy
Lifestyle Modifications
- Take cool or lukewarm baths over hot baths to minimize dryness of skin that further aggravates the irritation.
- Moisturize your skin after every bath while your skin is still damp. Use a small quantity (about the size of a lima bean) to apply a thin film on your face.
- Some people add different products that ease their symptoms such as vinegar, oatmeal, salt, baking soda in their baths.
- Use mild or gentle soaps and cleansers as harsh soaps further irritates your skin and worsen your symptoms.
Topical and over-the-counter medications: Topical anti-eczema medications can ease itching, inflammation, redness, and dryness of skin such as:
- Corticosteroids
- Phosphodiesterase inhibitors
- Skin barrier creams
- Calcineurin inhibitors
These topical agents can be used twice a day, or as suggested by your healthcare professional.
Self-Care to Prevent Flares
To reduce the frequency and intensity of flares, you should identify:
- The triggers or irritants that may cause a flare
- Avoid wearing clothes that further irritate your skin such as wool.
- Adopt good hygiene and moisturizing practices.
- Comply with your treatment regimen as suggested by your healthcare provider.
- Keep an eye on the signs of infection such as any secretion or pus-filled blisters, extreme pain, or redness on skin.
Nuances/ Safety:
- Eczema makes you more vulnerable to develop fungal, bacterial, and viral skin infections
- Family history of eczema or other allergy conditions can make you more susceptible to develop eczema
- According to estimates, about 30% of all children who have eczema also have food allergies and other respiratory allergies like asthma
Strength of Evidence: C
Treatment regimen varies according to severity of symptoms. Treatment regimen presented in this article is based of best practices as suggested by the National Health Services and American Dermatology Association.
Our Ruling:
Eczema is a chronic condition of skin that causes itchy, scaly, irritable skin. Symptomatic relief can be achieved by adopting strategies to control and manage the itch and discomfort. Eczema management varies according to age, severity of symptoms and medical history of the patient. Dry weather, low humidity, excess bathing, and using harsh soaps can aggravate eczema symptoms as people with eczema have usually very dry skin. Therefore, it is recommended to to moisturize skin at periodic intervals especially after bathing. For more severe symptoms, speak a to a healthcare professional for prescription medications.
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