2 steps to eczema treatment

What is Eczema?

Eczema a medical condition in which patches of skin become rough and inflamed with blisters which cause itching and bleeding. To diagnose eczema, your doctor will have to talk to you and ask you about your symptoms, medical and family history of rashes and other allergy related medical conditions, such as hay fever and asthma . There is no single test to diagnose eczema, a good medical history of your skin are usually all that is needed.

2 Steps to Eczema Management:

1. Bathing and moisturizing to repair skin barrier
2. Prescription treatments to reduce inflammation and bacteria

1. Bathing and Moisturizing

Bathing allows moisture to enter your skin  and coats the skin. Experts now recommends bathing as an important part for controlling eczema. Many adults would prefer showering over proper bath, for reasons best known to them. But showering is also fine for people with eczema, as long as the water is not too hot and the use of a gentle cleanser or shower oil. After shower, gently pat the skin dry, but please avoid rubbing the skin, while leaving the skin still slightly damp, immediately apply your moisturizer or any prescribed  products by your doctor.


2. Prescription Treatments

Medical treatment is a very important part of controlling eczema, and medications which also includes topical creams and ointments

• Antibiotics:
  
  Topical Antibiotics are prescribed for secondary infection, which can worsen the eczema and may make it more difficult for the eczema to respond to treatment until the bacterial infection has been cleared.

Oral Antibiotics are prescribed for more significant skin infections. There is often secondary infection on eczema patches, even when there may be no other obvious signs of infection. Oral antibiotics are preferred over topical antibiotics when the infection is extensive.

Combination Topical Treatments helps reduce inflammation and clear the secondary infection with one application. Clearing infections is an important part of eczema treatment.

• Anti-inflammatory topical treatments:

Topical Corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation and itching. Strengths range from mild to very strong. When used under the direction of a physician, topical corticosteroids are very effective and safe.

• Skin Barrier Repair Emulsion:

EpiCeram is a new non-steroid barrier repair emulsion that is safe to use at all ages. EpiCeram is a therapeutic skin barrier repair emulsion which has a unique composition of key lipids  that are recognized to be lacking in the skin of many patients with atopic dermatitis.

• Oral Steroids

Oral Corticosteroids are rarely used and reserved for severe cases. There are long-term side effects with prolonged use,  this is not a permanent solution for severe chronic eczema.