Eczema Treatments: Exploring the Options for Relief and Management
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin disorder that results in dry, cracked, itchy, and red skin. There are millions of people living in the UK with the condition. With dry, itchy, red, and irritated skin, eczema can present as a little annoyance to severe outbreaks that are painful. There’s no cure right now, but many treatments are available to help control symptoms and improve quality of life.
The key to successful management is to identify the triggers for eczema and deliver appropriate treatment on an individual basis. What works for one patient may well not be best for another, so individual care is important.
Understanding the Nature of Eczema
a. What Causes Eczema?
Eczema is a genetic and environmental condition. People are more likely to develop hay fever, asthma, or eczema if they have family members who suffer from these conditions.
Environmental triggers — like strong soaps, allergens, stress, or weather changes — can exacerbate symptoms when they disturb the skin’s natural barrier and the immune system responds.
b. Common Types of Eczema
- Atopic dermatitis – The most frequent, it occurs mainly in children.
- Contact dermatitis – Skin comes into contact with irritants or allergens.
- Nummular eczema – i.e., coin-shaped patches that are commonly associated with dry skin, or even an abrasion.
Knowing the type of eczema you have helps pick the effective treatment.
Treatment Options Based on Severity
a. Mild Eczema
For mild cases, lifestyle modifications plus over-the-counter (OTC) products can make a significant management difference:
- Moisturising with emollients every day will repair the skin barrier.
- Steer clear of triggers, which can include strong scents and extremely high or low temperatures.
- Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams also help with inflammation and itching.
b. Moderate to Severe Eczema
Stronger treatments may be required if symptoms don’t abate:
- Prescription topicals – More potent corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors (such as tacrolimus) may be needed to reduce inflammation.
- Oral medications – Oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressant agents (i.e., cyclosporine) to suppress severe eczema.
- Biologics – Medications such as Dupixent (dupilumab) work on specific immune responses and can help alleviate the inflammation in severe cases.
Innovative and Emerging Treatments
Eczema treatment is a work in progress, with more ideas than there is money to study them.
- There are also new biologics in clinical trials that seek to offer more targeted therapy with fewer side effects.
- JAK inhibitors (e.g., upadacitinib) might also attenuate inflammation.
- Microbiome-based treatments investigate whether balancing the skin bacteria can help symptoms.
These improvements work well for more durable, long-term options.
Complementary Lifestyle Changes
a. Skin Care Routines
- Opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soaps and moisturisers.
- When you are finished, apply creams to your skin to seal in moisture.
- Don’t take hot showers, as they tend to strip the skin of its natural oils.
b. Diet and Allergies
- Some people notice that they get flare-ups from certain foods (dairy, nuts).
- An allergist or nutritionist can provide support in identifying sensitivities.
c. Mental Health & Stress Relief
- It can be common for eczema to be triggered by stress.
- Methods such as meditation, yoga, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can also assist in reducing stress-induced flare-ups.
Why Individualised Treatment Matters
Eczema is different for everyone, so treatments vary between individuals. Maintaining a symptom diary and regular review with a dermatologist ensures that the best regimen is used.
When to Seek Professional Help
See a specialist if:
- You’re not getting better after using OTC treatments for your eczema.
- You have frequent infections (such as with weeping or crusted skin).
- You flare up, and it affects your life in a big way.
Conclusion
While eczema has no cure, the right combination of treatments can provide significant relief. From moisturisers and medications to lifestyle changes and emerging therapies, there are many ways to manage symptoms effectively. If eczema is affecting your quality of life, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice.
To discuss the best eczema treatment for you, book an appointment with our specialists at Chase Lodge Hospital today.
