Treatment for eczema can be managed at home by changing laundry detergents or soaps that may be causing the irritant. Avoid tight-fitting or rough clothing. Avoid scratching the affected area. Medical treatment include prescription anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid creams. Antibiotics may have to be prescribed to clear the affected irritation.
Eczema Home Remedies
Removing exacerbating factors is a good place to start. This may be as simple as changing the laundry detergent to one that is fragrance free or as difficult as moving to a new climate or changing jobs.
Prevent dry skin by taking short, lukewarm showers or baths. Use a mild soap or body cleanser. Prior to drying off, apply an effective emollient to wet skin. Emollients are substances that inhibit the evaporation of water. Generally, they are available in jars and have a "stiff" consistency. They do not flow and ought to leave a shine with a slightly greasy feel on the skin. Most good emollients contain petroleum jelly although certain solid vegetable shortenings do a more than creditable job. The thicker, the better, although patient preference is usually toward thinner lotions because of ease of application and avoidance of a greasy feel.
A patient with longstanding eczema may become sensitized to the products they are putting on the skin and develop allergic contact dermatitis that may be identical in clinical appearance. Skin allergy may develop to over-the-counter (OTC) products such as topical anesthetics, topical diphenhydramine (Benadryl), lanolin, coconut oil, and tea tree oil or even prescription medications such as topical steroid creams.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting, rough, or scratchy clothing.
Avoid scratching the rash. If it's not possible to stop scratching, cover the area with a dressing. Wear gloves at night to minimize skin damage from scratching.
Anything that causes sweating can irritate the rash. Avoid strenuous exercise during a flare.
An anti-inflammatory topical cream may be necessary to control a flare of atopic dermatitis.
Avoid physical and mental stress. Eating right, light activity, and adequate sleep will help someone stay healthy, which can help prevent flares.
Do not expect a quick response. Atopic dermatitis is controllable but consistency in application of treatment products is necessary.