Eczema Treatments: What Are Your Options?

An itch that never seems to go away is a pain. This is a feeling that people with eczema know all too well. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema, is a non-contagious skin condition that affects approximately 2.4% of the global population. The condition is characterized by dry, flaky, and inflamed skin, appearing (and re-appearing) like an angry rash at first glance.

Eczema usually manifests itself during the first few years of a child’s life. And can carry on into adulthood. Despite advancements in research, a definite cause for eczema still hasn’t been identified.

Given the current body of data available, scientists and medical experts link the condition such as genetics and an overreactive immune system. 

As eczema tends to last a lifetime, most people who suffer from it usually experience periods of relief with occasional flare-ups. And so it follows that treatment can vary from person to person. What’s more, there is no single treatment to address all symptoms.

This article will discuss the possible answers to how to manage eczema permanently. It will also touch upon the different ways one can prevent the worsening of eczema-related symptoms.

Flare-Ups: What To Look Out For

If a person exhibits tell-tale signs of eczema, a dermatologist or medical professional will usually make a diagnosis even without conducting lab tests. Doctors will usually give patients numerous pointers about how to manage eczema permanently and ways to handle symptoms when they become worse than usual.

However, most individuals diagnosed with eczema won’t always exhibit symptoms. The disease may enter remission during specific periods but will often return during flare-ups.

If you’ve been diagnosed with this skin condition, it’s essential to take note of certain triggers that can cause symptoms to return after a period of dormancy. Knowing these triggers is imperative to determining how to manage eczema permanently. 

Eczema triggers can differ from person to person, but the most common culprits of flare-ups are usually dry skin and common irritants found in food, clothing, or cosmetic products.

Some irritants that may be causing your eczema to flare up include:

• Some metals (like copper or nickel)
• Fragrances 
• Paraphenylenediamine (present in hair dyes, ink, or cosmetics)
• Formaldehyde 
• Isothiazolinone
• Certain types of fabrics

Some people who suffer from eczema also find that simple things trigger it. Some examples are stress, weather conditions, or hormonal changes. Narrowing down the list of triggers is imperative to keeping flare-ups under control and finding out the appropriate ways of how to manage eczema permanently.

Treatment Options: How To Manage Eczema Permanently 

Although there is no definite answer to the question of how to manage eczema permanently, many treatments are available to alleviate the itching, burning, and general discomfort caused by the disease. 

Oral Corticosteroids

Severe flare-ups of eczema are usually controlled through the prescription of oral corticosteroids. Although not advised for long-term use, oral corticosteroids can be effective against severe blistering or redness resulting from eczema.

One example of a widely-used oral corticosteroid is prednisolone. 

Topical Treatments

A variety of topical treatments are available to reduce the inflammation brought about by eczema. Standard prescription topical treatments that doctors and dermatologists usually recommend include coal tar, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and crisaborole ointments. 

Meanwhile, over-the-counter treatments for eczema can work in a pinch when a doctor’s appointment isn’t feasible or when a patient needs to find temporary relief for a good night’s rest.

You can also apply some safe, over-the-counter medications to affected areas of the body including topical hydrocortisone and medicated shampoos.  

Dupixent (dupilumab)

In recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave a green light for the use of dupilumab injections for eczema patients (6 years and above) who do not fare well with topical therapies. 

Topical immunomodulators (TMIs)

Some data has pointed in the direction of topical immunomodulators (TMIs) to help combat the usual symptoms of eczema. TMIs regulate the skin’s immune response and are usually a viable treatment option for patients who have not responded to other modes of treatment.

Phototherapy

Many people who suffer from eczema have shown remarkable progress with phototherapy, which commonly employs the use of a machine that emits narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) light. Phototherapy is often used to treat eczema that has spread to many parts of the body.

Key Takeaway

Eczema is a chronic skin disease that affects millions of children and adults worldwide. Presently, there is no one-size-fits-all solution as to how to manage eczema permanently. Thankfully, a variety of treatment options are available that have been proven to alleviate, if not eliminate, the typical symptoms of this disease. 

Learn more about managing eczema and dermatitis here.