Unfortunately, a definitive eczema cure does not exist at present. Researchers are working hard to determine the exact cause of the condition; and once the cause is discovered, the chances of finding an eczema cure will hopefully increase dramatically. Until an eczema cure is discovered, however, a wide range of eczema treatments is available to help reduce itching and other symptoms.
Coal Tar, Hydrocortisone Cream and TIMs
Topical eczema treatments cover a wide range, from remedies hundreds of years old to the latest in anti-inflammatory products. Moisturizers are the most common topical treatments. Ointments, creams and lotions can "lock" moisture in, preventing the skin from drying out and cracking. If this proves ineffective, other topical treatments may be used:
Antibiotics, Antihistamines and Corticosteroids
Oral eczema treatments are not used as frequently as topical therapies. However, oral medication may be required to treat complications, or especially severe cases of eczema.
Phototherapy involves the use of light to treat a medical condition. Ultraviolet light therapy improves eczema symptoms in some people. Phototherapy may only use ultraviolet light, or may combine the use of ultraviolet light with psoralen, a drug that increases light sensitivity.
While ultraviolet rays occur naturally in sunlight, excessive sun exposure causes sunburn, which can make symptoms worsen. Phototherapy uses carefully measured amounts of ultraviolet light, a safety measure that cannot be duplicated by simple exposure to the sun.
Whether diet plays a role in eczema management or not is a matter of debate. Many people insist that removing certain foods from their diets led to significant improvement in their eczema. No one food has yet been isolated as a cause of eczema, however, and a scientific "eczema diet" has yet to be developed. No single diet has been identified and proven effective for a broad population base. If you wish to try altering your diet to control eczema, keep a food diary and note days when your symptoms improved or worsened in the time period after a particular food was ingested or eliminated.
Ezcemacanada.com. (nd). Treating eczema. Retrieved June 19, 2002, from www.eczemacanada.ca/treating/treating.htm.
National Eczema Association for Science and Education. (nd). Living with eczema. Retrieved June 19, 2002, from www.nationaleczema.org/patiented.html.
National Eczema Society. (nd). Eczema: Frequently asked questions. Retrieved June 20, 2002, from www.eczema.org/faqfile.htm#can.
New Zealand Dermatological Society. (updated 2002). Skin conditions
Tree.com provides information on health-related topics, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Please consult your physician if you have questions or concerns.