How Do I Get Rid Of Eczema

The aim is to keep the skins moisture levels constant as it is when moisture from the skin is lost that Eczema will cause the most distress. This is the most important self-care treatment that one can use in atopic eczema. The use of anything that may dry out the skin or that remove the natural oils from the skin should be stopped as soon as possible.

To moisturize the skin, special ointments and creams can be used called emollients. Thick emollients do not dry the skin out unlike aqueous cream which should only be used if the skin is not dry and flaking.

To help stop the skin becoming dry, emollients replace any lost moisture and formulated oils and creams can be used for washing.

There are other skin cleansing products that can then be used to help moisten the skin after bathing such as Dipobase for example. The desire to scratch the affected areas is very strong but only makes the situation worse so lotions and excema creams such as Eucerin and ointments like Sebexol and Epaderm can be applied to the skin.

Generally twice daily applications of emollients work best and while eczema creams are easy to apply, they are quickly absorbed into the skin, therefore needing frequent re-application. Ointments on the other hand, with less water content, stay on the skin for longer and need fewer applications.

Hydrocortisone steroid or Desonide are used for eczema cases the condition is not above moderate. On the other hand, products such as corticosteroids have proved very successful at controlling eczema, they cannot provide a cure. However, steroids are very strong and prolonged use is not advisable as the can cause the skin to become older and less pliable.

Just to make sure that delicate skin, especially the face, is not damaged by this cream or ointment, only low potency steroids can be applied to these areas. Steroids pose risks to the skin but they should only be used when they are absolutely needed and preferably only to help control a bad eczema episode. In fact as soon as it has reduced the inflammation, steroid creams should no longer be used and emollients can take over. Where possible, eczema patients should not use corticosteroids longer than the short to medium term if they want avoid and further problems and stick to the non-steroidal ointments.

Currently, immunomodulators are used to treat affected eczema areas but their effectiveness depends on the group of people they are used on.