If you have ever suffered from an outbreak of eczema, you know how painful and irritating this condition can be. The other issue with eczema is the unsightly patches that can develop on your skin over almost any part of your body. This can be embarrassing as well as uncomfortable. Because eczema is a condition that most folks would rather live without, finding eczema relief that is effective and long-lasting is an important goal for many eczema sufferers. The good news is that there are many things that you can do at home, and many treatments that your doctor can recommend to bring eczema relief from your uncomfortable symptoms.
Eczema Relief at Home
Since eczema is often thought to be triggered by dry skin or allergies, there are a number of eczema relief treatments that you can do at home to address both of these issues. If dry skin is the culprit, eczema relief may be as simple as a warm (not hot) bath containing baby oil. After bathing, slather a rich, moisturizing cream or lotion all over your still damp skin. Another technique that can bring eczema relief is to soak in an oatmeal bath. This is particularly effective at reducing the itching that can occur with this condition. You can also use a topical hydrocortisone cream to effectively relieve the eczema itching.
If allergies seem to be the primary cause of your eczema outbreak, the first step is to avoid the known triggers. Sometimes this is much easier said than done. Keep in mind that many people who tend to have allergies may have difficulty with certain types of food as well. The most common types of food allergies are milk and eggs, wheat flour and nuts. By avoiding some of these types of foods, you may find eczema relief. You can also take an over the counter antihistamine, which may bring eczema relief by reducing the itching. Some of these can make you drowsy, so read the label before taking an antihistamine.
Eczema Relief from your Doctor
If home remedies do not bring eczema relief, your doctor has other options for you as well. One is to go with a prescription strength steroid cream that will bring relief when the over the counter products cannot. For severe cases of eczema that do not respond to any other type of treatments, your doctor can also prescribe a topical immunomodulator like Elidel or Protopic. Because of potential risks involved with these medications, it is not advisable for anyone to use them for a long period of time. Finally, doctors can prescribe ultraviolet light therapy or medications to suppress the immune system in the most severe cases of eczema.
If you are suffering from the uncomfortable symptoms that eczema brings, you can find eczema relief. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor today about your options.
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