How Is Eczema Treated?

Specific treatment for eczema will be determined by your physician based on:

• Your child's age, overall health, and medical history
• Extent of the reaction
• Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the reaction
• Your opinion or preference

There is no cure for eczema. The goals of treatment are to reduce itching and inflammation of the skin, moisturize the skin, and prevent infection.

Management of eczema symptoms:

The following are suggestions for the management of eczema:

Avoid contact with irritants, as determined by your physician.

• Take brief baths or showers using lukewarm water.
• Practice good skin care techniques.
• Do not use harsh soaps. Ask your physician to recommend a brand.
• Dress in light clothes - sweating can make eczema worse.
• Use lubricating lotions at least once a day. Ask your physician to recommend a brand.
• Avoid scratching the affected area.
• Minimize stress.

Your physician may also prescribe medications in severe cases. The following medications are most commonly used to treat eczema:

Antihistamines
These medications help to decrease the amount of itching. Some examples include diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) or hydroxyzine (Atarax®). These medications may cause drowsiness. Some new antihistamines are also available that do not cause drowsiness. Consult your physician for more information.

Steroid Creams
These topical medications help to decrease the inflammation in the skin, thus decreasing the itching and swelling. Many topical steroids in various strengths are available. Steroids, if overused, are potentially damaging to the skin. Consult your physician for more information.

Oral Antibiotics
These medications are derived from mold or bacteria and slow the growth of specific microorganisms. A sample from the body part thought to be infected may be taken and cultured in a lab to determine what type of antibiotic to use for the most effective treatment.

Oral Cyclosporine
This medication is used primarily to prevent rejection after organ transplantation. It suppresses the immune system and has other side effects that should be considered. Consult your child's physician as needed.

Phototherapy (Light Therapy)
It is safest to have this treatment under medical supervision, but light therapy is not offered at all dermatology clinics. Home light therapy devices are available, but may not be covered by insurance. Narrow band UVB (ultraviolet B) light units are the most effective. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid injury.

Topical Immunomodulator (TIMs)
Topical immunomodulators are a new class of drugs for the treatment of eczema. These drugs are applied directly to the skin to alter the immune response.