Your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream or you can try an over-the-counter product, such as a 1% hydrocortisone cream. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source If using an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, use it two to three times per day for seven days. If you fail to see improvement or an abatement of itching in seven days, discontinue use and call your doctor. [4] X Research source Ask your doctor if you need prescription steroids. They are much stronger and more effective than 1% hydrocortisone. If you are not improving with prescription topical steroids, your doctor may recommend systemic corticosteroids Although the dosage of steroids in over-the-counter products is small, use the product only as directed on the package or by your doctor. Overuse of corticosteroids can cause side effects including but not limited to thinning of the skin, redness, lightening of the skin and acne.
Always take antibiotics as instructed by your doctor and complete the treatment regimen even if the infections seems to have subsided.
Calcineurin inhibitors include tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel)
Because long-term phototherapy has harmful effects (including skin aging and risk of cancer), consult your doctor before using light therapy. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Phototherapy is not the same as visiting a tanning bed — it can only be administered in a doctor’s office. If your child has atopic dermatitis, narrowband UVB is considered safe. Talk to your doctor about this treatment.
Add 1/2 cup of bleach (use household bleach and not concentrated bleach) to a bathtub filled water. Soak just the affected skin (not in the face) for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and moisturize. Another option is to try an oatmeal bath. The ingredient in oats has anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties that can be very soothing for your skin.
Cold compress also helps protect the skin and may prevent you from scratching the itchy skin.
Keep your fingernails short to help keep your skin damage to a minimum. You may also want to wear gloves during the night to prevent yourself from scratching while sleeping. You may also want to wrap your skin to prevent yourself from scratching. Cover the eczema-prone areas of skin in bandages or gauze when you sleep.
Keep a diary and write down the products you use and foods you eat. When you experience a flare-up, it is easier to track the possible causes. Try eliminating one product at a time to see which may trigger your eczema.
Avoid scratchy materials, such as wool, and tight-fitting clothes that can irritate your skin and trigger an episode. Opt for light and breathable materials, such as cotton, silk and bamboo. Be sure to wash new clothes before wearing them for the first time to soften the fabric and wash off any possible irritants. However, some detergents may also trigger an episode by leaving a slight residue on your clothes. Before throwing away your favorite outfit, try using a natural washing powder or a different detergent and see if that makes a difference.
Use the product for a few weeks to see if it triggers your eczema. If it does, switch the product. Avoid products containing sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens. These are common irritants that can dry the skin and trigger a flare-up.
If you are unsure whether a food triggers your episode, eat it for a few days to see if you experience a flare-up. Then eliminate the product from your diet and see if your eczema clears up. Do the same for all foods that you believe may be triggering the conditions. Try eliminating milk and gluten, which are common dietary triggers for eczema. [16] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Use creams and ointments over lotions — lotions contain a lot of water, while creams and ointments have a higher oil content and are better at repairing the skin barrier and retaining moisture. Apply moisturizers after bathing or showering to trap in moisture to your skin. Choose an unscented, moisturizing soap. Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it to avoid irritation. Consider using a barrier repair moisturizers (such as petroleum jelly, Aquaphor, Aveeno Healing Ointment, Crisco, or Coconut Oil) that help lock water into the skin and prevent dryness.
Avoid chemicals, cosmetics and personal hygiene products that trigger your eczema. Remember that it is usually a certain ingredient within a product that is irritating; thus, you may need to avoid a group of products that contain that ingredient. Use gentle soaps that are hypoallergenic or made for “sensitive skin. " Use protective clothing and gloves if you need to use a product that causes your eczema.
If you like to take baths, limit those to 10 minutes also and use bath oil in the water. Moisturize immediately after a bath when your skin is still a little moist.
Use an air humidifier in your bedroom during the night to add moisture to the air and to your skin. However, remember to wash the humidifier regularly to prevent harmful microbes from growing in the water.
Try Relaxation Techniques, Controlled Breathing and Yoga to reduce stress. Regular Exercise can also help fight stress.
