How Can I Treat Eczema or Dermatitis?

Eczema and dermatitis are similar and describe an irritation or inflammation of the skin causing it to be red, itching and scaling. Eczema is generally broken into two main groups, inherited or Atopic Eczema and externally exacerbated eczema. Plants, chemicals or other external irritants can induce eczema, either by irritating the skin or by causing an allergic reaction. Irritants include washing the skin and working outdoors or washing dishes without gloves. Allergic responses can be triggered by nickel, poison oak, poison ivy, soaps and cosmetics. Abnormalities in the immune response (T cells) have also been shown to aggravate eczema.

How Can I Treat Eczema or Dermatitis? Moisturizers hydrate (get water back into the skin) and are very important in improving eczema. Eczematous skin does not retain moisture as well as non-eczema skin. Eucerin, Cetaphil, Aquaphor, SBR Lipocream, Neutrogena Hand Cream, Ureacin and DML are just a few of the excellent moisturizing lotions, creams and ointments sold at DermatologistRx. Remember that an ointment is thicker and takes longer to work into the skin than a cream and a cream is thicker and takes longer to work into the skin than a lotion. Cleansers and products for sensitive skin are also helpful for people with eczema.

Topical Steroids: Hydrocortisone 1% and Pramoxine 1% (Prax Lotion) are topical steroids available over the counter and can be used on the patches and scales of eczema. The best ways to use a topical steroid is twice a day for 2-3 days and then stop for several days. Note, everyday usage of a topical steroid may thin the skin and may cause small blood vessels to form on the skin.

Practical Suggestions: Avoid skin irritants. Wool and synthetic fibers, fragrances, perfumes, "strong" soaps and dry environments should be avoided.

Warm short baths or showers with applications of moisturizers after the bath or shower with help hydrate the skin.

See your dermatologist? If the above tips fail, you may wish to see your dermatologist who may help your differentiate the type of eczema that you have.Your dermatologist may patch test you to various chemicals to see if you are allergic to something. There are diseases that look like eczema but are not (fungal infections, psoriasis, lichen planus and others) that take the skill of a dermatologist to diagnose. Stronger topical steroids may also be prescribed. Oral antibiotics and even oral steroids may be given if the eczema is severe. Severe eczema may also be associated with herpetic infections that your Dermatologist will want to aggressively treat.

New immunomodulators (medicines that reduce the inflammation caused by T-lymphocytes) are now available, including Tacrolimus (Protopic). UVB (light therapy) and Cyclosporin, another immunomodulator, are two other treatment possiblities.

All products should be used as directed on the product container. Any product that causes irritation should be discontinued. The information provided at DermatologistRx is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a dermatologist or your physician.

Skin Care Glossary A-M
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