Is There Really a Long-Term Cure for Eczema?
Eczema can be a frustrating skin condition, especially if it is chronic and not acute. Learning how to manage eczema flare ups and symptoms can help provide you long-term relief. The dermatologists at the Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute are skilled at diagnosing eczema as well as providing eczema treatment solutions. Learn more about eczema and what we suggest as a long-term cure.
The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Eczema
People with eczema have a skin condition that is triggered by an allergen, though the problem may simply be hereditary. Eczema can either be acute or chronic. It can affect people of all ages, including infants. When eczema is acute, it may also be referred to as dermatitis. Acute eczema typically affects one area of the skin. The skin will look darker and thicker and be itchier than the unaffected surrounding skin. The irritated skin occurs due to contact with an allergen. Allergens can include perfume, detergents, metals, or other chemicals. Flare ups can occur for a few days up to a week but subside. Knowing the irritant that caused your flare up can help you avoid it in the future, so flare ups don’t reoccur.
Chronic eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is characterized by itchy, red, and swollen blisters and tends to flare up periodically. Just like acute eczema, chronic eczema is also caused by bacteria, allergens, or irritants but can become worse if there is a family history of eczema or if stress is involved. For those with chronic eczema, there is a risk of complications such as asthma, hay fever, skin infections, and chronic itching of dry skin.
How to Cure Eczema Permanently
When you are diagnosed with eczema, learning how to prevent flare ups is important. Make sure to moisturize your skin daily to help lock in moisture and prevent the skin from getting too dry. Also, learning what triggers your eczema helps you to stay away from it. Since eczema can be triggered from dry skin, take short showers and make sure they are not too hot. The longer your skin is in hot water, the drier it may get. A natural eczema prevention tip is to take a bleach bath for 10 minutes up to twice a week. It will decrease the bacteria on your skin.
In addition to preventing flare ups, you’ll want to also know your treatment options. These may include topical steroids, antibiotics, and oral antihistamines. Additionally, a common and more permanent long-term eczema cure is phototherapy. Narrowband UVB light therapy is a type of phototherapy that combines sunlight and ultraviolet light to slow the rapid growth of skin cells. The light is emitted onto the affected skin for just a few minutes. Treatments will need to be continued for two months to see complete results. Phototherapy is best for those who have tried common prevention methods and topical treatments but are not seeing results.
If you think you may have eczema, it is important to have it diagnosed so you can take the proper precautions and get useful treatment options. The dermatologists at the Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute are here to help get your skin under control. If you are in Bloomington, Illinois or the surrounding areas, complete this form and we will be in touch soon.