Eczema Treatments: What to Expect

Eczema, Eczema Treatments: What to Expect

There are several eczema treatments your healthcare professional may prescribe for eczema. Our doctors may ask you questions about your stress levels and activities that may trigger eczema flare-ups. Here are some eczema treatments you can do at home:

  • Baths: Having a good skin care routine is essential to managing eczema. Oatmeal baths are soothing to the skin. After your bath lock in the moisture by immediately moisturizing the skin. Consult your physician on what products to use for your skin type.
  • Moisturizing: People with eczema need to keep their skin protected from dryness. Using a proper cream on the outer layer of the skin will decrease eczema flare-ups.

Below are other eczema treatments our doctors may prescribe if your skin is not improving with home treatments.

Prescription Topical

Topical treatments are medicines applied to the skin to treat eczema symptoms. There are several types of topical used to treat eczema:

  • Prescription steroids
  • Calcineurin inhibitors
  • PDE4 inhibitors

Prescriptions steroids come in many different strengths. Topical steroids are classified by its strength Class 1 being super potent to Class 7 being least potent. The most common topical used is called corticosteroids. Steroid topicals reduce inflammation, redness, and itching to help the skin heal. The body naturally makes steroids in the body to regulate immune functions. Medical professionals have used steroids for over 50 years.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy uses a narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) light to treat eczema. It is also called light therapy. UVB light is the best and natural part of the sun rays. Phototherapy helps with:

  • Reducing itchy skin
  • Decreasing inflammation
  • Stimulating vitamin D productions
  • Increasing good bacteria in the skin

Most phototherapy sessions use a standing light chamber to treat patients. Cap and goggles protect the hair and eyes from the light. Light therapy is best utilized when eczema is widespread throughout the body. Most patients who use phototherapy see a reduction in eczema symptoms in 1-2 months. Treatments frequency are 2-3 times per week.

Biologic

Biologic drugs are target therapy that uses human DNA to treat diseases. Biologics are administered under the skin or intravenously. The immune system uses proteins to fight harmful virus and bacteria. In some people, the immune system overreacts and causes inflammation. This inflammation leads to the itchy and red skin. Biologic drugs block some of the over-producing protein receptors. Dupixent is the first biologic drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dupixent is for adults with moderate to severe eczema. During clinical trials, 75% of the participants showed improvements in 16 weeks.

If you are interested in learning about which eczema treatments are available through Atomic Dermatology, contact our office today to schedule your consultation! We are conveniently located in Pasco, WA.

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