Eczema Treatments

Atopic dermatitis is usually caused by an inherent defect in the skin barrier production. There are also immunological changes, which cause the skin to be more provocative and reactive to stimuli, which would otherwise be harmless. There is also a tendency for skin dryness, manifesting with increased loss of water due to damage in the skin barrier.

There is no one best treatment for eczema. There are many treatment options like use of steroidal and non-steroidal creams. There are also many natural ingredient based products, which soothe the skin; these are helpful in maintaining the eczema in remission and avoiding recurrences. Products like the Atoderm range and oatmeal based products also aid in soothing the irritated skin. The new class of non-steroidal anti-eczema creams like tacrolimus also helps a lot of patients.

Here at MySkinCare.in, we specially compound the medication for patients of dermatologists. This type of cream can be used continuously for longer periods of time compared to steroids, which have issues such as rebound flare-ups.

Soap free body washes and hydrating moisturizers are very important. These will prevent any additional irritation and allow the skin to heal much faster when used in conjunction with prescription medications. Even when the condition is under control, maintaining the hydration and the skin’s protective barrier is vital to prevent any additional flare-ups.

If the skin area involved is large then oral anti allergic and other oral herbo mineral formulations should be used rather than just external applications alone. We must also get investigated at length as to what is the cause for the eczema. Investigations are necessary especially if we are experiencing flared skin. Severe cases will need assessment by a dermatologist and potent corticosteroids.

There are many non-steroidal creams also which can help, for safer and long term management.

A 100% natural coconut oil based Siddha remedies for dry eczema prone skins is lippu oil.​

It is an absolute must to stop use of soaps; they are alkaline by nature and make skin dryer. A mild cleanser also helps us protect the healthy natural microbe balance of skin as well. A gentle cleanser will not strip the natural oils and nutrients out of the skin and will clean the skin. Your skin naturally produces oils and waxes and contains bacteria to maintain the integrity of the skin. Most soaps will elevate the pH of the skin and compromise the barrier of the skin and make the skin prone to infection and flare-ups. Remember to gently pat dry the skin as opposed to wiping the area. Eczema sufferers commonly have severe itching which leads to broken skin. Patients who have broken skin should use a cleanser that contains a repairing agent.

Moisturizing the skin immediately after bathing is very important to lock in the hydration of the skin. This will maintain the skin’s function and protect it from being inflamed. Choose a moisturizer free from preservatives and irritants, which may cause flare up of the skin. Again, it is important that if the skin is broken, choose an ointment base free from preservatives. It is common to see infants and children with severe dermatitis on their buttocks. Use an ointment base which has low water content and free from preservatives to prevent severe irritation on broken skin. This will prevent the child from screaming and crying as soon as the cream is applied.

Exfoliation for eczema and irritated skins is not generally recommended. When and if it is done, we should use physical exfoliant scrubs with wax beads type of exfoliants than the harsher chemical or crystal-based exfoliants. Do not attempt exfoliation till the skin is completely irritation free for at least 2 weeks.

During eczema the barrier is disrupted and it is most important to use a skin-repairing base before use of makeup. When using makeup, keep makeup on for the least time required. Due to the disrupted skin barrier, one is prone to developing allergic reactions to make up which can further complicate the treatment.

Most commonly steroid creams are used, there are many different creams based on the type of eczema, the stage of eczema and if there are any associated complications or not. Based on all of these factors a steroid preparation is chosen. It is important to note here that we must not use potent steroids like clobetasol, for thin skin areas like the folds of the skin. Also generally milder cortisone preparations are preferred for younger skin. It is best to simultaneously use non-steroidal and steroid sparing creams, so that the duration of usage of steroid cream is reduced to a minimum and a fast and lasting result is achieved. Regular guidance from dermatologists at MySkinCare.in will help you through this journey.

• Methylprednisolone
• Betamethasone dipropionate
• Beclomethasone
• Mometasone
• Betamethasone valerate
• Clobetasone
• Hydrocortisone

Besides the use of anti-allergic and conventional medicines for Eczema, there are specific supplements, which are known to suit the skin. Supplements containing vitamin E, and fish oil help in reducing the inflammation going on in the skin. There are some ceramosides that restore the skin moisture internally. There are suggestions that an imbalance of bacteria may cause some of the inflammation on the skin. By supplementing this could introduce some of the beneficial bacteria. Some specific probiotics are now available for eczema prone skins like Tep-ad and other brands containing lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. Sedating Antihistamines: Can be quite effective when used at night to help reduce itch and improve sleep. Other than the conventional medicines there are some great gut detoxing and anti-inflammatory medicines for atopic type of eczema in Ayurveda such as Histablock.

EXTRA TIPS:

• Wear non-irritant materials such as cotton and avoid wool.
• Moisturize daily immediately after showering.
• Dermatologists may suggest using wet wraps. This can be a light dressing, which is dampened with water to keep the area moist. They can also be used to aid in the penetration of the medication into the skin. Duration of wet wrap is important, as wet wraps applied for too long may become counterproductive.
• Keeping the fingernails trimmed helps prevent infections.
• Drink plenty of water to keep yourself well hydrated.
• Keep a humidifier in the room if ambient humidity is low.
• Watch out for aggravation due to pets.
• Use dust mite proof pillow covers and bedding.
• Eating and sleeping well is extremely important in reducing inflammation of eczema.