How can treat eczema

Ointments contain the most oil so they can be quite greasy, but are the most effective at keeping moisture in the skin. Lotions contain the least amount of oil so are not greasy, but can be less effective. Creams are somewhere in between. If you have been using a particular emollient for some time, it may eventually become less effective or may start to irritate your skin.

If this is the case, you may find another product suits you better. You can speak to a pharmacist about other options. Many people find it helpful to keep separate supplies of emollients at work or school, or a tub in the bathroom and one in a living area. You should use an emollient at least twice a day if you can, or more often if you have very dry skin. During a flare-up, apply generous amounts of emollient more frequently, but remember to treat inflamed skin with a topical corticosteroid as emollients used on their own are not enough to control it.

Do not put your fingers into an emollient pot — use a spoon or pump dispenser instead, as this reduces the risk of infection. And never share your emollient with other people. If your skin is sore and inflamed, a GP may prescribe a topical corticosteroid applied directly to your skin , which can reduce the inflammation within a few days. Topical corticosteroids can be prescribed in different strengths, depending on the severity of your atopic eczema and the areas of skin affected.

If you need to use corticosteroids frequently, see a GP regularly so they can check the treatment is working effectively and you're using the right amount. Unless instructed otherwise by a doctor, follow the directions on the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Most people only have to apply it once a day as there's no evidence there's any benefit to applying it more often. Occasionally, your doctor may suggest using a topical corticosteroid less frequently, but over a longer period of time. This is designed to help prevent flare-ups. This is sometimes called weekend treatment, where a person who has already gained control of their eczema uses the topical corticosteroid every weekend on the trouble sites to prevent them becoming active again.

Topical corticosteroids may cause a mild stinging sensation for less than a minute as you apply them. Antihistamines are a type of medicine that block the effects of a substance in the blood called histamine.

If itching during a flare-up affects your sleep, a GP may suggest taking a sedating antihistamine. Sedating antihistamines can cause drowsiness into the following day, so it may be helpful to let your child's school know they may not be as alert as normal.

In some cases, a GP may prescribe medicated bandages, clothing or wet wraps to wear over areas of skin affected by eczema. These can either be used over emollients or with topical corticosteroids to prevent scratching, allow the skin underneath to heal, and stop the skin drying out.

Corticosteroid tablets are rarely used to treat atopic eczema nowadays, but may occasionally be prescribed for short periods of 5 to 7 days to help bring particularly severe flare-ups under control.

Longer courses of treatment are generally avoided because of the risk of potentially serious side effects. If a GP thinks your condition may be severe enough to benefit from repeated or prolonged treatment with corticosteroid tablets, they'll probably refer you to a specialist. A dermatologist may also offer additional support to help you use your treatments correctly, such as demonstrations from specialist nurses, and they may be able to refer you for psychological support if you feel you need it.

Some people may find complementary therapies such as herbal remedies helpful in treating their eczema, but there's little evidence to show these remedies are effective.

Laundry detergent can contain harsh chemicals that aggravate eczema. Many body washes and cleansers contain detergents, which help provide a soapy lather. Detergents and other lathering agents can dry out the skin, especially in people with eczema. Try using a gentle, no-lather, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid products with rough particles for scrubbing or exfoliating, as these can further irritate the skin. Many people with eczema also find that switching to a more gentle, fragrance- or color-free laundry detergent can help improve symptoms.

Try skipping fabric softener, which lingers on clothes and often contains fragrances and chemicals that can cause skin irritation. Sitting next to a fireplace or near a furnace may feel good, but it can make eczema symptoms worse.

The hot, dry air can dehydrate the skin and aggravate the itchiness of eczema. Use a humidifier during the dry winter months and avoid getting too close to heaters and fireplaces. Keep the skin covered when temperatures are low. Also, consider covering the face with a scarf if eczema occurs on the face. Learn more about managing eczema flares in winter here.

Many home remedies are suitable for babies and children, but always speak to a doctor before using them on kids of any age. There is no cure for eczema, but people can often manage their symptoms with home remedies, including natural gels and oils, medicated baths, and dietary changes. If eczema is severe or does not respond to home treatments, it may be a good idea to see a doctor. Do so right away if a child or baby develops a new rash.

Read the article in Spanish. There is some evidence that one type of eczema, atopic dermatitis, may be autoimmune in nature. However, more research is necessary.

Dust mites may trigger flare-ups in some people with eczema. We examine the link between dust mites and eczema and how to reduce exposure to them. What is atopic dermatitis and how common is it in babies?

Learn more about the condition, how to identify characteristic signs, and treatment options. Atopic dermatitis tends to develop on different parts of the body according to a person's age. Learn about where it is most common and how to treat it.

Top 12 natural remedies for eczema. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Aloe vera gel. Apple cider vinegar. Bleach in the bath. Colloidal oatmeal. Coconut oil. Tea tree oil. Dietary changes. Gentle soaps and detergents. Avoid strong heat sources.

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Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Is eczema an autoimmune disease? Can dust mites cause eczema? In fact, there are currently an unprecedented number of new treatments for eczema in development.

To learn more about these, visit Treatments in Development. Depending on the type of eczema and severity, treatments include lifestyle changes, over-the-counter OTC remedies or prescription medication. Eczema symptoms can be different for everyone. Have you been able to get the treatments you or your doctor think you need?