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.

CFAA