One of the prevalent skin conditions worldwide and across all ages is eczema. This is a chronic skin disease characterized by rashes. There are different kinds of eczema, but atopic eczema is the most common.
All kinds of eczema are marked by itchy and dry skin which causes the scratching of the affected area — the scratching results in blisters, inflammation, and weeping of the skin. People with eczema commonly suffer from frequent bacterial, viral and fungal infections owing to the breakdown of their skin barrier.
A skin doctor in Salem will classify eczema based on its response to treatment, the portion of the body affected and the timeframe of flare-ups. Although all forms and severities of eczema are incurable, the symptoms of severe eczema are challenging to manage and will significantly reduce a person’s quality of life.
The following are the treatments which can be used to reduce the discomfort and effects of the symptoms associated with severe eczema.
Wet Dressings
This will decrease the dryness of the affected area of your skin. Wet dressings will reduce the severity of eczema for a few hours or days. Though they sound simple enough to use, you will need a nurse or doctor to apply them.
Before their application, the medic might apply a corticosteroid cream over the affected skin to minimize inflammation and itching. The wet bandage is then covered with a dry one to prevent its immediate drying and reduce interference with your daily activities
Calcineurin Inhibitors
These are drugs that modify your immune system. This way, calcineurin inhibitors, such as pimecrolimus and tacrolimus will lessen the inflammation linked with severe eczema.
Both are prescription-only creams applied to the affected area. You might initially experience some itching and skin irritation, but these go away with the repeated application of the cream.
Injectable Medication
The latest injectable used for eczema management is dupilumab. This is a biologic which lowers the inflammation which comes with severe inflammation. It works wonders for patients whose symptoms are uncontrolled with topical medications.
Phototherapy
Light therapy which exposes your affected skin area to UV light is usually used for the management of eczema which does not respond to calcineurin inhibitors. UVB is the type of ultraviolet light used in most cases, but UVA might suffice for some cases.
The treatment involves visiting your dermatologist twice or thrice per week for about a month or two. Phototherapy has successfully alleviated the symptom of severe eczema in over 70% of patients.
Oral Medications
These are prescribed for people with generalized rather than localized eczema. They lower your body’s immune response and in so doing reduce your condition’s severity.
Cyclosporine, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil and methotrexate are the common oral drugs used for managing severe eczema. Oral steroids like prednisolone will also reduce the inflammation of severe eczema.
Moisturizers, limited contact with skin irritants and warm water baths can adequately control mild eczema but will do little for severe eczema without the above alternatives. Most children with mild eczema outgrow the condition with its proper management from an early age.
Parents, unfortunately, dismiss eczema as a minor rash. Have a dermatologist review all rashes in your child to manage them and avert severe eczema.
Disclaimer: This article does not promote nor encourage any of the above-mentioned information without parental and doctor’s advise. The content is for general purpose only and cannot be used as a replacement for a personalized health consultation. If you have any health concerns you must consult a healthcare professional. This article will not be held responsible for any bad unexpected results which could be because of this procedure.
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