Allergy > Treating Allergy > Treatment for Eczema

Treatment for Eczema

Discussion on the Different Ways to Treat Eczema

Eczema is a chronic, non-contagious form of hypersensitivity manifested in the integumentary area. It is acquired when a person had a direct skin contact with a material considered by the body as an allergen such as nickel, dusts, and pollen. Eczema is a subtype of contact dermatitis. Most eczema onset also falls under type 1 or immediate hypersensitivity. People with other types of allergies may also be vulnerable to this kind of allergy. Hypersensitivity is most often inherited. It is also considered as a disorder of the immune system. People with other forms of allergy may be the ones vulnerable to eczema. Also, people with bronchial asthma as a hypersensitivity disorder may or may exhibit eczematic symptoms.

Eczema is manifested in the skin in the form of rashes, sometimes elevated, wherein the tissue becomes thickened and reddish, sometimes due to further irritation, the eczematic tissue forms blisters and open lesions.  Eczema appears on skin as macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, crusts, and scales.
Eczema treatments range from home treatments to the use of topical drugs.

Since eczema is caused by many different environmental factors, elimination of the harmful agents should be the very first step for eczema elimination. Hygiene is a known causative factor for many types of allergies of the skin. Dust, pollen, nickel materials, and other tools used in the home might be causative factors that worsen hypersensitivity reactions.  Frequent cleaning of the house to eliminate allergens and disposal of materials that are based on materials that may cause allergic reactions is a very crucial step in eczema treatment. If a person is taking treatment medications and other therapies but still is exposed to many kinds of allergens in the home, the treatment will be useless. It may be advised that clothing should be made of cotton or any material that is not fuzzy enough to irritate the skin.

Diagnosing eczema is through knowing its causative factors. Skin testing done in medical centers would rule out the allergen causing hypersensitivity. In some cases, blood analysis is also implemented to determine blood levels of a specific antigen against a specific allergen. Determining causative factors would aid the doctor in determining the proper treatment for the condition.

The aim in eczema treatment is to prevent itching, irritation, inflammation and to reduce severity of the condition. Medical treatments of eczema are based on the patient’s age, the type of the hypersensitivity reaction, the causative factor, the general health status, and the severity of the condition.

Eczema as a manifestation of increasing toxins in the body because of free radicals and of stress is a theory that requires the patient of body cleansing.  Water therapy may help a lot in washing out the toxins and in regularizing bowel elimination to prevent toxin elimination in the body. Water also helps the skin to be hydrated since eczematic skin is dry and crusty. When the skin remains to be dry and scaly, irritation will grow worse, and furthermore, the skin condition will worsen.  The skin can also be kept hydrated through ointment and cream applications.

If acute eczema attacks, cold compresses would help, especially in cases of sunlight hypersensitivity. Cold compresses decrease the inflammation through reducing blood vessel dilatation. Vasodilation is the main cause of fluid influx after an allergen invades a site. Though vasodilation, increased blood supply goes to site causing extreme redness. The presence of prostaglandins may cause pain, irritation, and itchiness. 

Oral antihistamines are usually prescribed by doctors. The strength of these antihistamines also differs depending on the severity of the condition. Examples of these oral antihistamines are diphenhydramine, which is the most common, chlorpheramine, cyproheptadine, and hydroxizine. These drugs though have a common sedative adverse effect so precautions would be necessary when taking this drug. Driving should ideally be prohibited to avoid accidents. Operating of hazardous machines should also be prohibited. The person taking these drugs, especially the elderly, should also be assisted when performing activities to avoid falls.

Corticosteroid topical creams are prescribed by physicians to decrease inflammatory effects on the skin. The strength of this corticosteroid creams also vary depending in the severity of the condition. There are mild, medium and high potency corticosteroids prescribed depending on the symptoms.  There are two topical cream medications approved by the United States FDA for eczema treatment. Both Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are classified under calcineurin inhibitors. These are immunosuppressant drugs. Though in recent studies, results show that these drugs can possibly initiate cell mutation that would lead to cancer. These drugs are advised to be used only in a short period of time to prevent grave adverse effects.

In acute cases of eczema, short-acting corticosteroids taken orally are prescribed. Chronic usage of these drugs though is discouraged because of its adverse effects. Cyclosporine is sometimes prescribed for eczema outbreak but its immunosuppressant effect is very unfavorable to the body.

Doctors sometimes advise phototherapy or the ultraviolet light therapy as a strategy of desensitizing the patient through in gradually increasing doses of ultraviolet light. This procedure is done in a clinic supervised by a physician.

Lifestyle modification is also a crucial step in eliminating eczema. Diet modification is a part of it. An eczema diet should consist mostly of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and nutrients. Vitamins A, C, E belong to the antioxidant trio that will help combat toxins and free radicals that cause cell damage. Furthermore, they also boost the immune system that may help prevent and combat allergic attacks since these attacks are symptoms of immune system disorder. Vitamin E also helps in restoring the skin’s integrity, giving it a smooth and juvenile appearance. Vitamin A helps in the restoration of the skin’s glow. These vitamins are rich in citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin B rich foods are also essential in eczema treatment. Vitamin B helps improve the body’s circulation, therefore helping the transportation of nutrients to distal part of the body. These would allow tissue repair are regeneration especially in cases of eczema. Furthermore, some skin ailments are caused by lack of some B vitamins. A diet with B vitamins helps in the restoration of the skin’s integrity from eczema lesions.

Vegetables and fruits contain high amounts of fiber that may help in the elimination of toxins in the body that may cause eczema through inducing good bowel elimination. They also contain enzymes that help in the detoxification of the body.

Meat should be reduced in the diet. Fats and oils may trigger eczema outbreaks. Poultry should also be eliminated in an eczema diet.

Milk and dairy products should be eliminated in the diet of a person with eczema. Casein is present in all kinds and forms of dairy food. In most studies, casein is one of the most common component in foods that causes eczema.

Some wheat and wheat products should also be eliminated in the diet for a person with eczema. Studies say that gluten sensitivity may trigger eczema attack. Gluten is a form of protein present in wheat that triggers hypersensitivity in the body.

An eczema diet should contain vegetables and legumes that have a high amount of protein. These proteins would help in the building up of new tissues and tissue repair especially in sites affected by eczema.