The treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema) will depend on what type of rash you have.
If your eczema is mild, it can likely be dealt with by using moisturizers—those moisturizers that emphasize skin barrier repair in particular. Mild atopic dermatitis will also require preventative self-care.
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Treatments
For most cases, the rash and itching can be controlled within a few weeks.
More serious rashes, however, may require a doctor to get involved. What constitutes a more serious rash includes:
- A rash that is dry, scaly, red, and itchy
- Areas where the skin is much thicker (Lichenified skin)
- A rash that oozes, characterized by fluid-filled sores that ooze out the fluid or crust over the sore; this may be a skin infection
With severe cases, your doctor may also recommend a bleach bath or wet wraps.
The sooner you get medical help for your symptoms and eczema, the less likely it is for your symptoms to get worse.
Sometimes, for a rash to heal, all it needs is a moisturizer or a specific medication. However, in cases where this doesn’t help the rash to improve, there are other treatment options available. These include:
- High-strength topical corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids; these are employed when the rash covers large areas of the body and when complications like skin infections occur
- Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, with or without other medications; done at a clinic or doctor’s office; this may include phototherapy or psoralen plus ultraviolet light therapy (PUVA)
- Wrapping a bandage, or dressing, around the affected area; this will help to cover any open sores and also prevent air from touching the sores
- or ; used in adults
When itching is the main problem, your treatment may include antihistamines.
Taking baths with colloidal oatmeal, such as Aveeno, helps to relieve itching as well. You could also try applying wet dressings to the rash for 30 minutes a few times a day.
Featured image: tashatuvango via DepositPhotos
Posted on March 24, 2023