According to statistics, more than 30 million people in the United States have some form of eczema. If you’re one of those people, you’re probably wondering—with the distressing symptoms that it brings, such as severe itching, dryness, burning sensation, and swelling on your skin—if there’s ever any cure for it.
While there’s currently no known cure for eczema, the good news is there is a wide range of treatments available for it— and even more are on the horizon. Your primary care physician will give you a referral to a dermatologist, so you can get the specialized care that you need. Let’s explore the different measures your dermatologist will take to help you effectively get your eczema under control.
Diagnosing and Treating Eczema
To confirm a diagnosis, your dermatologist will carry out a comprehensive assessment, which includes a thorough skin examination, a review of your medical history, and patch testing (and possibly, other tests) to rule out other skin problems and pinpoint those that can accompany eczema.
With their findings, your dermatologist will work with you to determine a suitable treatment plan, which may consist of one or some of the following options.
- Antihistamines– to stop the itch-scratch cycle of the skin condition
- Biologic treatment – to treat moderate to severe eczema for which other treatments have not worked
- Moisturizers/emollients- to hydrate your skin and soften it, respectively
- Oral corticosteroids– for severe cases of eczema; not ideal for long-term use
- Oral or topical antibiotics- for eczema that has led to a bacterial infection
- Topical corticosteroids – to control itching, alleviate inflammation, and help repair the skin
Self-Care Strategies for Preventing Eczema Flare-Ups
Your dermatologist will also likely recommend some self-care strategies to help you prevent flare-ups. These may include the following:
- Staying adequately hydrated and moisturizing your skin regularly, especially after bathing, to prevent dryness
- Avoid chemical-laden skincare products or those that have harsh ingredients (i.e., products that contain ethanol, parabens, essential oils, parabens, lanolin, etc.)
- Washing your skin using a fragrance-free, gentle, eczema-friendly cleanser
- Not bathing or washing too frequently, as such can strip your skin of its natural oils and leave it dry and prone to inflammation or infection
- Use a humidifier in your home, to keep the air moist and consequently prevent your skin from drying out
- Managing your stress – Employing some breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques has been shown to prevent flare-ups.
- Allergy-proofing your home- Keeping it clean can help reduce allergens, which can trigger or exacerbate your symptoms.
Trusted Eczema Treatment Expert in Miami and Coral Gables, FL
At Children’s Skin Center, our highly credentialed dermatologists have built an excellent reputation for the unmatched treatment outcomes they deliver for the whole range of chronic skin conditions—including eczema—helping scores of patients live well with them no matter their severity.
To schedule a consultation with one of our dermatologists, give our friendly staff a call or text at (305) 669-6555 and our staff member will contact you to confirm your schedule. We are eager to serve you at one of our several locations across Florida: Coral Gables, Doral, Miami, Miami Lakes, Miramar, Pinecrest, and West Kendall!
