Treatment for Eczema

Size

Email this article

Print this article

224 Views

Current Rating
		Login to rate this article

Treatment for Eczema

Atopic dermatitis(eczema) is a chronic condition, which requires regular therapy for quite a long period of time. It involves simple home measures to reduce the itch, administration of certain medications and certain specialized treatment such as phototherapy.

The home care measures that are advised include:

Using gentle cleansing solutions to clean the affected areas (avoid scrubbing and repeated cleaning).
Cosmetic substances should not be applied on the affected areas.
Hot water tends to increase the skin irritation and hence normal or warm water should be used to clean the affected area.
Do not rub the affected areas after cleaning, instead pat dry the skin with soft towel.
Certain medicated lotions that contain calamine may be helpful

The medications that are advised for the treatment of pruritus, infections and other features associated with atopy belong to the group of antibiotics, corticosteroids, antihistamines, antidepressants, antiinflammatory medications and immunosuppressants. Some of these medications are available as ointments and may be advised to apply over the affected areas. Phototherapy wherein the affected regions are exposed to ultraviolet rays has also proven beneficial.^1,2

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 30, 2012

^ Top of Page

References

Correale CE, Walker C, Murphy L, Craig TJ. Atopic dermatitis: A review of diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 1999; 60: 1191–210.
Buys LM. Treatment options for atopic dermatitis. Am Fam Physician. 2007; 75: 523–528, 530.