Quantcast

Best Eczema Treatments :How to Reduce Eczema Outbreaks.

Eczema is a skin condition that affects children and adults of all races and ages. The symptoms include unsightly, scaly red patches of dry skin. Blisters and irritated lesions can also be signs of an eczema outbreak and can be soothed by the use of an eczema cream such as a hydrocortisone, which is available over the counter.

There are several different types of eczema. Women are slightly more likely to suffer from this condition than men. A majority of people afflicted with eczema show their first symptoms early in childhood. Although eczema is unpleasant, the symptoms are manageable with the use of eczema cream, antihistamines, immunosuppressant drug therapy, phototherapy and other eczema treatments.

eczema treatmentFamily history appears to play a role in determining who contracts the condition. Families who suffer from allergies run a higher risk of eczema outbreaks. Although family gene pools are highly suspect as contributing factors, it is rare that an entire family will suffer. Despite the oozing blisters in the worst cases, the condition does not appear to be contagious.

To develop reliable eczema treatments, scientists generally focus on finding the cause. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, research points to a relationship between immune system deficiencies and possible skin defects as contributing factors. Environmental triggers are often blamed for causing many outbreaks. Soaps, detergents, jewelry and even sweat can cause symptoms.

Eczema treatments include creams to soothe the itching of an outbreak. Eczema creams with a high oil content are often used to moisturize the skin for the prevention of symptoms. Keeping the skin moist by applying petrolatum-based creams is highly recommended. Warm showers, instead of hot showers or baths, are recommended to prevent over-drying of the skin. Applying eczema cream to wet skin just after bathing seals in moisture and is preferable to applying it to dry skin.

While many brands of eczema cream are available over the counter, corticosteroid creams can be prescribed for more serious breakouts. These creams decrease inflammation. Antihistamines such as Benadryl and Vistaril offer other solutions to control the itching. On occasion, oral corticosteroids are also prescribed for the short term. Because of harmful side effects, it is not recommended to take corticosteroids over an extended period.

One of the eczema treatments endorsed by the National Eczema Association is Curel Itch Defense Lotion. This eczema cream is considered so gentle, that it is being recommended for infants as young as six months old. Since it is estimated that up to twenty percent of children suffer from eczema, this is one of the eczema treatments that mothers are sure to appreciate.


Read more articles about Skin Care
 
Share