Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition in which skin becomes dry, red, and itchy. Rashes form that can sometimes lead to skin infections. Eczema is most common in infants and children, but it can occur in adults as well.
Treatment of Eczema
Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema. It is a chronic condition that will need constant care. Treatment usually focuses on minimizing symptoms to help make the condition manageable. Treatments also focus on avoiding the triggers that cause the flare-ups to occur.
Eczema Ointment Options
Most of the time, an eczema ointment is a good starting place for treating this skin condition. Eczema ointments commonly include types of eczema cream for moisturizing and lubricating the skin, analgesic ointments for reducing the itching and discomfort caused by eczema, and medicinal ointments for treating the inflammation.
The efficacy of any given ointment is dependent on your symptoms. Your doctor may be able to recommend the right eczema ointment for you.
A common eczema ointment is a cream that contains a steroid. Low-strength steroid creams can be found over-the-counter, but patients need a prescription for all more potent topical treatments. Steroid creams used as an eczema ointment help to reduce inflammation of the affected areas and also help to reduce the itching.
There are also moisturizers, which can help the skin to maintain its moisture. Often, steroid creams are used in tandem with moisturizers; the cream helps with the inflammation and scratching, and a quality moisturizer helps with the hydrating of the skin.
To find the best eczema ointment for your needs, speak to your doctor or a healthcare professional. You may need to experiment with a few different types of eczema ointments to find the right one for you. For the most part, mild cases of eczema will only require over-the-counter medications. Severe cases, on the other hand, will likely require the help of a physician.
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