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There are many types of eczema, some involve only limited body areas while others involve large body regions. Treatment depends greatly on many other factors including the patient's medical history and allergy history. Therapies for eczema are all aimed at stopping the "itch-scratch" cycle by controlling itching, decreasing inflammation, clearing any ongoing infection, cleansing the skin and preventing new lesions from arising. Usually treatment of eczema involves the combination of many treatments, each tailored to the individual patient. Combination therapies of any kind are more effective than single therapy solutions. Sometimes patients need to undergo lifestyle changes to gain adequate control. Instituting systemic changes like this also makes the local therapies more effective. Patient preference and lifestyle play an important role in selecting the appropriate therapy for eczema. Light therapy can be beneficial, however this requires multiple office visits throughout the week and may not be feasible for the time-pressed patient. Topical medications are most commonly used, and require application two times daily. Application more frequently than this only increases the chances of unwanted side effects. There are also systemic medications available if the eczema is severe and unresponsive. Eczema can be very difficult to treat and can return once successfully eliminated. There is no cure for eczema, therapy is aimed at controlling symptoms. It can help to change the medications you are using from time to time if the eczema is no longer responding to the current therapy. Other things like stressors will cause a flare-up, which then requires a stronger medication for relief. We would be happy to consult with you and devise a personalized eczema skin care plan that meets your needs. |
