Best Cream for Eczema: Which Ones Work?

Is there a cure for eczema? The short answer is no. There is not a cure for eczema. Like asthma, it is an affliction that we currently cannot heal with our current medical knowledge. That doesn’t mean that we have to suffer through the symptoms, however.

There are many ways to reduce the inflammation and itching associated with eczema including prescriptions and over-the-counter treatments, as well as natural remedies. While we cannot completely cure eczema, there are many ways to soothe the pain until your skin condition improves.

Corticosteroids

In many cases, corticosteroids are effective at controlling or suppressing the symptoms of eczema. The potency of the steroid depends of the severity of the eczema. Only in the most severe cases are oral or injectable corticosteroids used.

The higher the dosage, the more likely it is that the user will experience negative side effects. These side effects include thinning of the skin, skin infections, and eye problems. But studies have shown that fear of these side-effects have resulted in the under-treatment of many cases of eczema.

Immunomodulators

Suppressing the immune system in the affected area, immunomodulators sometimes bring better results, though they are currently being investigated by the FDA for some of the possible side effects associated with their use.

Many professional medical organizations disagree, claiming that they have not seen significant ill effects, and that use of these products has improved the lives of many.

Immunosuppressants

If your eczema does not respond to corticosteroids or immunomodulators, there is the option of an immunosuppressant. Functioning in much the same way as an immunomodulator, these drugs dampen the immune system. However, there are many more side-effects associated with these and their use is regulated by doctors who monitor them carefully.

Itch Relief

Drugs such as antihistamines fall into the category of anti-itch treatments. They soothe the inflammation and can reduce the tendency to scratch which in turn reduces damage and further irritation to the skin. For non-medicinal relief, many find comfort in applying water to the eczema, exposing it to air flow, or using a cold compress.

Moisturizers

One of the most important self-care treatments that eczema sufferers need to learn is how to keep the inflammation moisturized. In general, you should apply thick emollients (moisturizers) to the areas of the skin that are driest and most flakey.

Creams, though easier to apply, have high water content and do not stay on the skin long, calling for more frequent reapplication. Ointments work better, but are often greasy and not as easy to apply.

Alternative Therapies

In England, it has been determined that as many as one in every nine people has been diagnosed with eczema at some point in their life. As a result, many unproven, unsubstantiated remedies have come from Britain, all in hopes of finding the miracle cure.

These include sea water, which may help because of its antiseptic properties – though many hate this because of the pain associated with salt on raw skin. There is also sulfure, which has been used for centuries but has no scientific evidence supporting its use. Some people also swear by the ingestion of probiotics which might prevent eczema, but they carry a slight risk of infection.

Conclusion

Depending on the severity of the case, eczema can either be constantly painful or just slightly itchy. We would not recommend trying a product that has high risks associated with it, especially if your case is not severe. Because there is no known cure for eczema, dermatologists suggest finding a treatment that offers relief and reduces inflammation for you, while being wary of dangerous side-effects or unproven therapies.