Can you really cure eczema?

Despite years of research, there is currently no reliable way to cure eczema completely. However, there are medications and treatment methods that can contain the symptoms and provide relief to patients.

This article looks at some of these medications and also at the practices that can provide relief, even though they may not cure eczema.

Externally applied steroids, known as topical steroids, are useful for relieving mild itching. Coal tar can also be used for this purpose. Steroids do have limitations. Using them on young children can alter growth patterns. Applying steroids around the eyes is known to cause glaucoma. Topical steroids can cause the skin to become thin and spotted. It may result in acne, stretch marks, burning and itching sensations.

Coal tar does not have these limitations but may increase the risk of developing skin cancer. It also stains cloths and has an unpleasant odor. Pregnant women should not use coal tar products to cure eczema.

Some cases of atopic dermatitis are allergy related and oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine can provide relief. If symptoms persist, topical steroids of higher concentrations may be used. In some cases, mild tranquilizers may be prescribed to help the patient sleep better and to control stress.

Scratching the eczema-affected skin can lead to breaks in the skin and infections. In such cases, the patient may need to use antibiotics to cure the infection.

Doctors may also prescribe cortisone ointments. These should be used with caution and strong preparations should not be applied on sensitive areas like the armpits, groin or face. Patients using cortisone ointments need to be regularly monitored by a medical professional. This is to prevent new symptoms from developing.

In cases where the eczema is not relieved by other treatments, oral cortisone may be prescribed. However, patients taking oral cortisone for longer than two weeks are at risk of the symptoms returning in greater strength after treatment is stopped.

Many cases of atopic dermatitis are triggered by food allergies. The doctor may ask the patient to avoid consuming certain foods and this may sometimes cure eczema partially.

Some patients may have extremely severe eczema symptoms and may need to go in for ultraviolet light therapy treatment. Another technique sometimes used with children is the wet body wrap. It involves wearing dry clothing on the outside and wet pajamas inside them. Sleeping in a warm room wearing a nylon sweat suit or rain gear is also an alternative. The face may be covered by wet gauze. The hands may be covered by wet socks with dry ones over it.

Sometimes, despite such attempts to cure eczema the symptoms may persist. The skin may ooze fluid, smell or become encrusted. This is likely to be the result of an infection and medical attention must be sought at the earliest.

Going for regular walks and then bathing in warm water with a few drops of lavender oil added to it may help. Lavender oil is a nerve relaxant and can improve skin condition.

The patient should stick to a balanced diet which includes nutrients and vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, etc. Fish oil and evening primrose oil are useful nutrient sources. Foods to eliminate or reduce include cow's milk, red meat, eggs, peanuts, soy and wheat. These foods can trigger allergic responses in some individuals.

Reducing stress is an important part of the treatment to cure eczema. Options to do so include techniques like yoga and meditation. Regular exercise can dramatically reduce stress.

Attempts to cure eczema yield unpredictable results. Despite that, the symptoms can often be controlled and the patient will find significant relief.