Eczema is a skin condition categorized by inflammation, redness, dryness, and peeling. It affects millions of people and can cause great discomfort. If you have recently been diagnosed with this skin condition, it is important to learn about your treatment options. With the proper treatment, you can successfully manage this skin condition and live a normal life.
Here are the most common types of eczema treatments for patients like you that you should know about.
Calcineurin Inhibitors
Calcineurin inhibitors are likely the first treatment your dermatologist will suggest for your eczema. These medications treat eczema by decreasing inflammation in your skin. Apply the cream to fully moisturized skin. You may have some mild irritation and itching afterward, but it should subside in a few days. Avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight.
Wet Dressings
Wet dressings are another common way to treat eczema. With this method, your dermatologist will first apply a corticosteroid cream to your skin and put a wet bandage over it. Then, they will put a dry bandage on top. These dressings bring back moisture to your skin, which will relieve redness and itching. Your dermatologist can teach you how to apply the dressings on your own.
Light Therapy
Light therapy is typically reserved for severe cases of eczema. During this treatment, a dermatologist will shine ultraviolet light on your skin to reduce an overactive immune system. You may have to undergo a few treatments a week to get desired results.
Relaxation Techniques
Stress can increase the number of eczema flareups you have. As such, you should try to keep your stress levels under control. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and visualization are a few examples of relaxation techniques you can use to manage your stress. It may also be helpful to talk about your worries with a trusted family member or friend.
Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal is not just a healthy breakfast. It may also help soothe the itching associated with eczema. When your skin is irritated from your eczema, try taking an oatmeal bath. It is certainly much better than scratching your skin. Just remember to use lukewarm water as hot water can irritate your skin more.
Eczema is not always an easy condition to live with, but there are plenty of treatment options available. If you would like to talk about your treatment options in further detail, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Did you know that dermatologists can do more than simply prescribe creams and washes? In addition to being skincare experts, they often carry out procedures like skin grafts, laser hair removal, and Botox injections. They are truly experts on all things skin-related, and therefore the dermatologist's office is the place you should go if you have any concerns about your own skin.
You can also ease your concerns by reading here. This website is not a substitute for dermatology care, but it is a good place to learn more about this field of medicine and the wonderful treatments it has to offer.