How Board-Certified Dermatologists Treat Eczema to Calm Flare-Ups and Soothe the Skin

If you suffer from eczema, you know firsthand how frustrating and uncomfortable the symptoms of this common skin condition are. 

Whether you’re dealing with dry, itchy skin or irritated, red patches that cover sensitive areas, such as the face or creases of the elbow, eczema flare-ups can often interfere with daily activities and everyday life. 

However, with certain strategies and recommended medications from our board-certified dermatologists, you can alleviate eczema symptoms, reduce the frequency of flare-ups, and soothe your skin for ultimate relief. 

 

How Our Board-Certified Dermatologists Treat Eczema 

For many people, treating eczema is not a “one-size-fits-all” plan. This is because a medication might work well for some people, while others may find it irritates their skin or doesn’t reduce the frequency of their eczema flare-ups as much as other treatment methods. 

This is why our board-certified dermatologists get to know each and every patient to learn as much as they can about their eczema triggers, allergies to certain medications, and more. 

Our goal is to create a personalized treatment plan that soothes the skin, reduces the frequency of eczema flare-ups, and helps them get back to living life more comfortably! 

Typically, our personalized treatment plans for eczema include a combination of the following medications and methods: 

• Antihistamines 
• Injections or Oral Medication 
• Light Therapy 
• Topical Skin Creams (i.e. Topical Steroids)
• Lifestyle Recommendations 

Read our short guide below to learn more about these individual medications and treatment methods. 

 

Antihistamines for Eczema 

A classic symptom of eczema is unbearably itchy skin. In many cases, antihistamines can help calm the itch and soothe the skin so you can stop scratching, which indirectly helps to alleviate some of the irritation eczema inflicts. 

 

Oral Medication 

This is typically used to suppress a patient’s overactive immune system, which, in turn, helps to reduce the severity of eczema symptoms, including dry, irritated skin and red, inflamed patches. 

However, some of these medications can come with unwanted side effects. Thus, your dermatologist will recommend oral medications when deemed appropriate for severe, uncontrolled eczema flares.

 

Light Therapy as an Eczema Treatment 

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, has been very effective in improving symptoms. This treatment method uses targeted wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light to reduce inflammation of the skin and alleviate itching. 

 

Topicals for Eczema 

Topical medications, such as creams and lotions, are often the first-line treatment method that board-certified dermatologists use to treat eczema. Topical corticosteroids, which are one of the most common topicals for eczema, are an excellent way to alleviate inflammation and reduce itchiness. 

Some other common topicals for eczema include calcineurin inhibitors, PDE4 inhibitors, and barrier repair moisturizers. 

 

Lifestyle Recommendations 

In addition to OTC (over-the-counter) and prescription medications, our board-certified dermatologists may also recommend some lifestyle modifications and recommendations to alleviate eczema symptoms and reduce the frequency of your eczema flare-ups. 

This may include: 

• Applying moisturizer daily (especially directly after taking a hot shower or bath). 
• Avoiding long baths and showers too much to reduce skin drying. 
• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. 
• Limiting exposure to irritants, such as harmful chemicals and perfumed soaps. 
• Tracking your triggers; keeping a diary of things that may trigger your eczema flare-ups. 
• Keeping cool during exercise, as friction and sweat may further irritate your skin. 

 

Treat Eczema with a Better, More Personalized Plan

Is your eczema getting worse and worse each year? It might be time to visit a board-certified dermatologist and reevaluate your eczema treatment plan. 

At the Center for Surgical Dermatology, we offer a number of non-prescription and prescription medications, as well as lifestyle recommendations, to help alleviate eczema symptoms and reduce your flare-ups! 

 

Center for Surgical Dermatology is ready to help you achieve healthy, beautiful skin! If you’d like to visit with a dermatologist to develop your ideal eczema treatment plan or need help addressing another skin condition, call (614) 847-4100 to schedule an appointment.