Eczema Best Treatment
Atopic dermatitis or eczema, is a common skin condition in children. It affects 10 to 20 percent of children and 1 to 3 percent in adult.
The main cause of Eczema/Atopic dermatitis include
- Disruption of the skin barrier leads to dry skin, irritation and inflammation
- Food sensitization
- Faulty gene in their skin called filaggrin.
Most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include
- Dry Skin
- Skin redness
- Irritated and itchy skin
- Scaly and thick skin
- Fissured and oozing skin
The diagnosis of eczema can be done by clinical finding, skin test and allergen specific IgE testing.
Eczema management strategy
One should consul an Allergist and make management plan. The main goals of treatment of atopic dermatitis include
- Improve quality of life.
- Ability to maintain normal daily activity.
- Feel healthy and satisfied with skin appearance.
- Minimal side effects from medication.
- No sleep disturbances.
Avoidance of Possible Triggering factors
Irritant agents include:
- chemicals
- detergents
- soaps
- fragrances
- smoke
Steps to perform to reduce irritant exposures:
Wear suitable and comfortable clothing.
Wash garments prior to wearing.
Cut fingernails short and smooth
Use broad-spectrum UV protective sunscreen lotion (SPF of 15 or higher).
Bathe immediately after swimming
Inhaled Allergens:House dust mites are most important. Follow HDM preventive measures.
- Clean your home once a week
- Wash your garments with warm water and dry under sunlight
- Wear face mask
- Remove carpeting and install hardwood or linoleum flooring
- Encase pillows, mattresses in dustproof covers
- Use air purifier /air conditioner
- Keep the relative humidity in your home less than 50%
Foods: Certain food can aggravate eczema symptoms. Consult with allergist. Do allergy testing. Then elimination of certain food can be done as per your doctor’s advice.
Stress: Stress, including anger and frustration, can aggravate itching. So be stress free.
Treatments
Topical Moisturizers
Moisturizing your skin is an important eczema management
Apply moisturizer on the slightly wet skin after bathe.
Topical Steroids
Are anti-inflammatory medications
Apply on the red and inflamed areas of the skin
Mild topical steroids are usually safe
Avoid application of potent steroid in areas, such as the underarms, groin area, and face.
Other Topical Anti-Inflammatory agents
If topical steroids are ineffective, then other topical anti-inflammatory medications so called topical immunomodulators can be tried.
Wet-Wrap Therapy
Wet wrap therapy is usually used for people with severe and difficult to manage eczema
Antihistamines Drugs
itching of eczema is not caused by histamine. Therefore, anti-histamines will not control the symptoms.
Sedative antihistamines are sometimes used.
Treatment of Associated Infections
Give antibiotics if associated skin infection present.
Stress-Relieving Therapies
Vitamins
Vitamin D supplement
Biologic Medicines
Consult with allergist
Probiotics
Not for routine use. May be helpful in some cases.
Immunotherapy
Allergy shots are currently approved for the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis. It is also helpful in some cases of eczema.
In conclusion, eczema is usually treatable condition. Consultation with an allergist is important. Proper management strategy enable someone to lead normal life style.