Solutions for eczema

Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, red, itchy and bumpy. Eczema is one of many types of dermatitis that damages the skin barrier function. This loss of barrier function makes your skin more sensitive and more prone to infection and dryness.

Eczema doesn’t harm your body, though it does affect your appearance. A flare-up doesn’t mean that your skin is dirty or infected. Eczema is also not contagious, whether you have a flare-up or not. There are treatments that can help manage your symptoms.

Treating eczema can sometimes be difficult because it is not a “user error,” meaning that it’s something you cannot control, like genetics. Luckily, there are common practices and treatments that you can undergo or work into your daily life that will reduce itching and discomfort as well as prevent infection or additional flare-ups.

Treatments to consider

While one or several of these treatments may work for you, know that they are not a “cure all.” It will take time to find the right combination of medications or therapy. You may sometimes need to talk to a medical professional if your at home efforts aren’t getting you the results you need.

• Use a humidifier if dry air irritates your skin.

• See a psychiatrist for any mental health issues, as stress can exacerbate eczema.

• Moisturize your skin using a cream or ointment.

• Use mild soaps free of perfumes, dyes, and alcohol.

• Take over-the-counter antihistamines for severe itching.

• Take prescription medications your healthcare provider prescribes. This could come in the form of steroid creams, pills, and/or shots.

Prevention

We’ve talked about how to manage and treat eczema, but there are other safe measures you can take to reduce your risk.

• Establish a skin care routine, and follow your healthcare professional’s recommendations for keeping your skin healthy.

• Take baths and showers in lukewarm water instead of hot water.

• Stay hydrated. It’s best to drink eight glasses of water a day.

• Limit exposure to known irritants.

• Wear loose clothes made of cotton and other natural materials. Wash new clothing before wearing.

• Manage your stress. Managing stress is very important. Trying any of the following will help you with your stress management

• Exercise daily

• Talk about your life with friends, family, and a therapist

• Try to have a positive attitude

• Sleep eight hours a night

• Try not to overdo it with caffeine or alcohol

Talk to a medical professional about your Eczema

Recurrent flare-ups that are caused by eczema can leave you with itchy, uncomfortable, and unsightly patches of skin on your body. The solution shouldn’t be covering up or taking time out of your routine to see a doctor in the office. You can get the relief you need by a quick telehealth visit from your home.

After answering a few questions, you will speak with a licensed medical professional who will be able to give you an exam over video chat. Based on your health history and the results of your convenient in-home video exam, you can get a prescription for a medicated cream that will not only treat any current eczema flare-ups, they can also help prevent flare-ups from occurring in the future.