by Janet Grischy

Created on: October 05, 2010

To control eczema you must find ways to prevent outbreaks, and ways to stop them if they occur. Some infants will not even remember that they once had eczema, but for others eczema is a lifelong condition they must learn to manage.

There are several kinds of eczema, but the most common is atopic dermatitis. It runs in families, and is associated with hay fever and asthma, though anyone can have only eczema. It’s an extremely itchy rash, that can cause scaling, redness, and thickened skin. Here are some ways to control eczema:

Avoid Triggers

Learn what triggers your eczema. It may be scratchy fabrics like wool and angora. Strong soaps and detergents cause some people’s outbreaks. Touching raw vegetables sets off some eczema. Animal dander can be a trigger. Temperature or humidity extremes can start an outbreak too.

Use Steroids

Steroids work against eczema because they reduce the overreaction that is causing the eczema. Cortisone is the first line of defense for many people, but it does have side effects, especially if used to excess.  Use it when you must, but use it as lightly as you can.

Sometimes an outbreak can be so severe that a doctor will prescribe an even stronger steroid, and great care must be taken with this medication as well.

Other Medical Treatments

Eczema patients who get secondary infections are prescribed antibiotics.

Antihistamines can help control eczema itch. Doctors can prescribe many different types, and some are available over the counter.

Elidel and Protopic are strong medicines. They may be used to control eczema in people for whom nothing else works. However, doctors believe that some people who use these prescription medications are more likely to get certain cancers. Therefore, neither medicine should be used for long periods, or without a doctor’s supervision, or on a young child. Anyone who uses either medicine should avoid the sun and tanning booths.

Alternative Treatments

People who don’t want to use steroids or heavy medications to control eczema, or who wish to minimize their use, find alternative treatments helpful

Tea tree oil is antibacterial. It’s used against secondary infections, although it irritates some people’s skin. Do a patch test, dabbing a small amount in an area of clear skin and waiting two days, before using any substantial amount.

Aspirin reduces eczema inflammation. Some people find that a decoction made of aspirin’s natural relative willow bark is helpful.

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