If you suffer from eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, your allergist will have a variety of treatment options. Although there is no cure, there are moisturizers, steroid creams, and other topical ointments that can go a long way toward helping reduce your systems. Here are a few of the treatments that may be available to you.
Your allergist may prescribe a steroid medication that you apply directly to the skin. This will work to reduce itching as well as inflammation. It comes in many different forms and different strengths, so you should always speak with your doctor before substituting one for the other. You may receive a gel, lotion, ointment, or cream. Steroid medications are safe as long as they are used properly, but there may be some minor side effects. For instance, the skin may become thinner in the area being treated, and blood vessels may become more prominent. In some cases, steroid medications can also cause acne.
Another form of medication that your allergist may recommend is known as a topical calcineurin inhibitor. This is also applied directly to the skin and comes in either a cream or an ointment. A topical calcineurin inhibitor works to reduce itching and rash by minimizing over-activity of the immune system. You may be a good candidate if you don't respond well to traditional treatments. This treatment is especially helpful for sensitive areas, such as the underarms, breasts, and face, because it does not thin the skin as steroid medications. The only side effect is typically a temporary burning sensation.
Oral antihistamines are another from of treatment for eczema, but these should only be taken at bedtime because they can usually cause drowsiness. They not only help you fall asleep, they also help reduce itching. There are other oral antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness, but they are not that effective at reducing itching. Try to avoid topical antihistamine creams because they can cause skin irritation.
In many instances, an allergist will suggest what is known as "wet wrap therapy." This option, typically recommended for severe cases of eczema, usually involves dressings soaked in warm water. These wraps are applied once a topical steroid has been applied. They keep the skin moist, improving the effectiveness of the steroid. They also relieve itching by providing a cooling effect. It is very important that a trained medical professional provide this type of treatment, however, because if it is done incorrectly that can result in an increased risk of infection.
There is also a possibility that your allergist may want to perform phototherapy, which consists of exposure to ultraviolet or light or natural sunlight. The doctor will use several different types of ultraviolet light in conjunction with other types of therapies. This will not, however, include the use of a tanning bed.