Severe Eczema Treatment

Severe Eczema Treatment

If at-home self-care therapies and over-the-counter creams have not been sufficient in easing your eczema symptoms, don’t fret because there are a variety of severe eczema treatment options that can repair your skin and alleviate your symptoms.

Severe Eczema Treatment Options

Corticosteroid Ointments

If you are going through a severe flare-up, your physician can place you on oral, topical, or intravenous steroid therapies. These medicines are highly useful in diminishing inflammation, which can ease your eczema symptoms swiftly. However, due to their adverse side effects, long-term use of these topical treatments is not ideal.  

Also, know that after you stop using a steroid cream, your eczema symptoms may return. Alternatively, the most effective way to keep flare-ups at bay is by adopting self-care strategies such as moisturizing regularly.

Antihistamines for Itching

Even though antihistamines cannot directly stop or alleviate flare-ups, they can provide some relief from itching. Over-the-counter choices such as Benadryl and prescription-strength options such as Atarax usually do the job. However, keep in mind that these OTC medications can cause drowsiness.

Immunosuppressive Medications

There are some medications that do not contain steroids such as cyclosporine and mycophenolate. These can hinder the immune system activity that brings on your eczema symptoms. Additionally, they can help with itching and repair the skin’s appearance. However, they can also lead to side effects such as digestion problems and high blood pressure. Immunosuppressive drugs can also heighten one’s risk of infections and numerous types of cancers.

Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are two of the most common topical therapies to reduce the irritation and itching that come with eczema. That said, because these medicines have been linked to a heightened risk of skin cancer, they are only recommended for short-term use.

Non Drug Severe Eczema Treatment Options

Emotional Support

Eczema can have an effect on a patient’s mental wellbeing as well as their skin wellness by creating feelings of anxiety, irritability, and hopelessness. Strong emotions, particularly stress and anxiety, can exacerbate the symptoms of eczema. This is why counselling is necessary for coping with the emotional toll eczema takes on your life. Joining a support group can also be immensely helpful as it gives patients a space to share their problems and experiences with others.

Reducing Stress

Stress management is also an integral part of severe eczema treatment. There are some very useful ways patients with eczema can take advantage of to reduce stress, including meditation and biofeedback.

Featured Image: DepositPhotos/ piotr_marcinski