Eczema: what treatments?
While they cannot yet be cured, atopic eczema and contact eczema, also called allergic eczema, can be treated. For the latter, the main measure is to avoid the allergenic element. And in both cases, there's nothing like a good daily moisturiser with an emollient to protect the skin and soothe the itching.
With good daily habits, it’s possible to prevent and reduce the symptoms of eczema. How? Moisturise your skin every day, even if you don’t have any skin lesions. In the case of contact eczema, protecting your skin gently and continuously limits the inflammation caused by exposure to allergens. Your skin barrier is strengthened and irritating substances can no longer weaken your skin. You can say goodbye to itching! Maintaining hydration also reduces water loss and intercellular lipid deficiencies, which are very common in atopic eczema: skin dryness is reduced and flare-ups are spaced out.
It’s advisable to apply the moisturizing emollient after showering and drying off: your skin will still be slightly softened by the moisture and the balm will glide more easily over the skin.
During flare-ups of atopic eczema and contact eczema, your dermatologist may prescribe:
For atopic eczema, you may also be prescribed:
Daily moisturizing provides relief, reduces medication use and anxiety related to eczema.
Ideally, an emollient should be applied at least twice a day. Trust yourself: you know your skin and know when it needs to be moisturised. The key with atopic eczema is to be regular in these gentle rituals, to reduce the frequency and use of treatments. In addition to deeply moisturizing your skin, emollients reduce the need for dermocorticoids. Finally, the level of stress generated by the apprehension of a flare-up, and sometimes even social embarrassment, is reduced.
To protect yourself as much as possible from eczema:
