What is the treatment for eczema?

1. Moisturize;: A number of factors combine to cause eczema, which at the bottom is abnormal sensitivity of skin to drying out, so moisturizing with creams or lotions, and avoiding harsh or irritating soaps, is important. Finding out what he child is allergic to, and decreasing bacterial colonization of the skin, are also helpful. In some children, gloves or upper-body swaddling may avoid scratching.

Creams: The first treatment for eczema is moisturizing creams (as often as needed). If that is not enough, then over-the-counter Hydrocortisone cream for a few days, is the next treatment. A parent should notify the doctor if Hydrocortisone cream is being used on a baby.

TLC & Moisture: Eczema is caused when normal skin is irritated, most often by an allergy. The allergy could be environmental (something touching the skin) or an internal allergy to a food or inhaled allergy. Try to avoid the cause and then mositurize-moisturize. Don't bathe to often, and when you do, use a moisturizing body wash. Many baby soaps are very drying to skin, so use only something that moisturizes!

Probiotics: Probiotic supplements (good bacteria that help the body stay strong) have been shown to be very helpful. Make sure the soap you use is moisturizing, and when you bathe the baby, cover him/her with moisturizer as soon as they are out of the tub. If none of this works, consult your doctor for allergy testing.

Protect: Avoid things that make you break out, soaps & wetness. Wash your hands only when necessary. Wear gloves when needed. Wear clothes made of cotton. Bathe only with a small amount of mild unscented soap, such as dove. Keep the water temperature cool or warm, not hot. Use the medicine your doctor gave you. Use a plain moisturizer daily. Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy area. Manage stress.

Trap water in skin: Eczema is a disorder not a disease. There are probably many causes. Defects in skin maturation & immunological over-reaction play significant roles. Most of my patients respond to bathing for 15 minutes daily in warm water. Use cetaphil or cerave instead of soap. Apply calcineurin inhibitors or corticosteroids to hot spots on skin. With creams or ointments (not lotions) moisturize, moisturize, etc.

Depends on symptoms: Eczema can be treated with a cream or topical solution, however many very effective oral medications are now available. Oral medications work systemically, and treat the source of your Eczema, and can relieve almost all of your symptoms and dry skin with a daily maintenance medication.