Effective Ways To Treat Eczema

In the United States, approximately 31.6 million individuals live with eczema. There are several types, and all are classified as an inflammatory skin condition. The most common type is referred to as atopic dermatitis, accounting for about eighteen million eczema sufferers. In general, this condition causes the skin to become itchy and dry, and when scratched, clear fluid may weep from the skin. The skin is the body’s first line of defense, and eczema negatively impacts its integrity and puts an individual at a higher risk for bacterial, fungal, and viral skin infections. Due to this increased susceptibility, it is important to treat eczema as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Topical Medication

There are quite a few topical medications available, both over-the-counter and through a prescription from a doctor, that can treat eczema quite effectively. One such example is hydrocortisone cream, which is incredibly helpful at reducing the irritating inflammation and itching that accompany bouts of eczema. Other topical medications that can help with eczema include corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and PDE4 inhibitors. These medications seek to relieve the majority of the itching, rash, dryness, and redness associated with eczema.

Patients should only use topical medication on the areas affected by eczema and not as a moisturizer, since they can have side effects if overused. Furthermore, patients should follow their doctor’s directions regarding the use of topical medications to treat eczema.

Systemics

One of the reasons individuals suffer from eczema is because of a reaction from their immune system. In cases where something like this is suspected, doctors often recommend systemics, or systemic medication, to their patients. These are drugs patients can take as injections or in tablet form. Systemic medications travel via the bloodstream and work to suppress the immune system and its reaction so it can treat flare-ups of eczema. Doctors often only recommend systemics for patients with severe eczema and those who experience widespread and repeated flare-ups that are difficult to manage with topical and natural treatment methods.

Biologic Drugs

Biologics are drugs are a targeted form of therapy for eczema. These are administered either intravenously (through a vein) or subcutaneously (through the skin) and target the part of the immune system reaction that causes symptoms of eczema and other skin conditions. Biologic drugs have genetically engineered proteins developed from human genes. Everyone has a type of protein called an interleukin, which is what helps the body fight bacteria and viruses, but is what is triggered during an immune system reaction of an eczema patient. Biologics prevent interleukins from binding to their cell receptors, thus minimizing the immune system reaction causing symptoms of eczema.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are perfect for individuals suffering from eczema who are particularly bothered by itching, since one of their major effects when treating allergies is a reduction in itchy skin. Of course, the itching in eczema is largely the result of dry skin, so when eczema patients use creams, moisturizers, and other methods to relieve dry skin and their other symptoms, the need for antihistamines to treat eczema will lessen over time. It is also worth noting, individuals with eczema whose symptoms, especially itchy skin, are interfering with their ability to sleep can benefit from the temporary use of drowsy formula antihistamines, which relieve the itching while also allowing their user to get some rest.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are employed when an individual with eczema is also suffering from a secondary skin infection. These secondary infections are often the result of individuals scratching at the site of the eczema flare up and subsequently breaking and further irritating their skin, allowing bacteria to enter. Secondary skin infections due to eczema can also be the result of extreme inflammation, which also allows bacteria to infect the skin and body. Thankfully, a course of basic antibiotics is typically sufficient to clear this common complication of eczema. Patients should be sure to consult with a doctor to ensure any medical treatments for eczema or any other medications they may be taking will not interfere with the antibiotics.

Coconut Oil

Healthcare providers often recommend coconut oil for patients seeking a more natural treatment option. This oil has a high-fat content, approximately half of which is lauric acid. This fat is important for the oil’s ability to absorb into the skin and its antimicrobial properties to protect the skin from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Research shows that regularly applying coconut oil enhances the skin's natural hydration due to it being so easy to absorb and how it makes it easier for the skin to absorb other moisturizers.

The anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial for alleviating any eczema-related soreness or discomfort, as well as any inflammation-related symptoms, such as redness. The antioxidants in this oil are imperative for oxidative stress reduction to calm inflammation and protect overall skin health. To reap the benefits, choose a virgin coconut oil from an organic brand. Apply it at room temperature twice daily. Doing this following bathing is ideal since this helps to encourage efficient absorption and retention.

Light Therapy

Narrowband ultraviolet light therapy (UVB) is the most frequently used phototherapy for this skin condition. This therapy is provided using a special light that can emit the UVB component of sunlight. It is estimated that this therapy is beneficial for approximately seventy percent of patients with eczema. It helps to reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and decrease itching. It also provides essential vitamin D. It can be used on all body areas and is often said to be more effective than common topical drugs prescribed by doctors.

Each session only takes seconds to minutes. Before being exposed to the light, you will put on a special moisturizing oil, which should be applied to all areas that are being treated. It may take up to two months of frequent sessions for symptoms to improve. After this time, weekly treatments are generally sufficient to maintain the symptom-reducing benefits.

Specialized Baths With Oatmeal And Dead Sea Salt

When using specialized baths, oatmeal and dead sea salt are typically recommended. Bathing with harsh soaps can do more harm to the skin, but keeping the skin clean is essential to reduce the risk of skin infections. The happy medium is to use dead sea salt and colloidal oatmeal as part of your bathing ritual. The salt helps to alleviate dryness, redness, and itching. Research is limited, so it is unknown exactly why it helps, but it is believed the salt may act as an antibacterial agent and aid the skin in retaining moisture.

The oatmeal acts as a protective barrier because it binds to the skin. This eases inflammation and works to hold moisture within the skin. It is also an effective cleanser. It is imperative to use the colloidal type and not the ordinary oatmeal you eat. To reap the most benefits, use these items with lukewarm water and avoid any items that promote scrubbing the skin, such as loofahs or washcloths.

Daily Vitamins With Vitamin D And Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Consuming daily vitamins with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids may help to improve your symptoms. Eczema is partially caused by high leukotriene B4 levels, which is an inflammatory substance in the body. Research shows that regular consumption of omega-3 may decrease the levels of this inflammatory substance. In turn, those in the study had fewer eczema symptoms or at least a reduction in their severity. In research, this fatty acid was provided as a dietary supplement. Significant research has concluded vitamin D is effective for eczema as well.

Some studies have shown those with a deficiency in this vitamin may have a higher risk of developing this skin condition or having more severe symptoms. Most studies looked at the D3 form of this vitamin and administered it to study participants in supplement form. It is believed insufficient vitamin D may contribute to the skin’s barrier weakening and not being able to protect the skin or retain moisture effectively. This may worsen your symptoms, especially itching and dryness.

Constant Moisturization With No Chemicals And Vaseline

Constant moisturization with no chemicals is imperative for your skin. Vaseline is often recommended as part of a daily moisturizing routine for eczema. Chemicals and alcohol often irritate this condition and may worsen symptoms. When you moisturize regularly with chemical-free products, you are helping your damaged skin to be able to protect you against foreign invaders better and retain moisture. It is best to avoid lotions, and use creams and ointments instead as they contain more oil.

Apply your product in a thick layer at least twice a day, and preferably after bathing to retain the best moisture. You should also reapply your moisturizer after washing your hands since frequent washing can increase irritation and dryness. Vaseline is oil-rich, which makes it the best moisturizer as it effectively locks in moisture directly into the skin. Apply it and leave it on as you sleep, covering the coated areas with cotton clothing, gloves, or socks. This product is especially helpful for very dry areas of the body, such as the feet and hands.