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Common Treatments for Eczema

Sep 22, 2016

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Eczema can make you feel just miserable. You can't sleep. You can't think. You just can't do anything except try not to scratch your itchy skin.

And if you're among the 31.8 million Americans who live with this skin condition, you know scratching only makes your eczema worse and exposes you to infections.

To keep eczema at bay, here are some common treatments that will provide relief.

Topical Glucocorticosteroids

Over-the-counter and prescription steroid creams can help to relief the itch. They may take a few days to work but they are effective. You may also need to try several different varieties and strengths to find one that works for you. A Long Island doctor can prescribe topical solutions and help you find one that works.

Antihistamines

Over-the-counter antihistamines block the chemicals in your body that trigger an allergic response. Therefore, they can help control itching that's associated with eczema. Keep in mind that antihistamines can make you sleepy so it's best to take them at bedtime.

Vitamin D

Recent medical research shows that vitamin D can help alleviate eczema symptoms. Adult patients should take 2,000 IU of vitamin D each day.

Baths and Moisturizer

A daily soak in a lukewarm bath will help restore moisture to skin. Don't use hot water as it will dry your skin even more. Soaking in a bath also cleanses allergens and bacteria from your skin which could lead to an outbreak. After your bath, pat skin dry with a soft towel and use any topical medications your doctor has prescribed. An additive-free lotion applied to your damp skin will seal in moisture. Continue to use moisturizer during the day as your skin gets dry. Consult a Long Island dermatologist for a recommendation on a good product to use.

Massage

Gentle massages with plant-based oils moisturize your skin and provide a barrier against the elements. Oils like sunflower seed oil helps improve the skin's function as a barrier. The treatment has been found particularly helpful in treating kids who receive massages every day for eight weeks. Don't massage skin if your skin is cracked or sensitive.

Climate Control

Managing eczema is really a balancing act. If the air is dry, your skin will suffer more. Monitor indoor humidity levels in your home and consider using a cool-mist humidifier in winter. However, too much moisture can also cause a problem. You may need a dehumidifier in the summer months.

Eczema can be a difficult problem to manage, but the right plan of attack can provide relief. If at-home remedies don't work, consult a Peconic Bay Medical Center doctor for more solutions.