Eczema Treatment

About Eczema

Atopic Eczema (AE) is an itchy inflammatory skin condition which affects children and adults. It tends to run in families. AE can be well controlled with regular skin care. The majority of children “grow out of it” by their teens, although occasional flare-ups may still occur.

Our son’s frequent allergic breakouts have reduced thanks to Dr Nirupama’s suggestions

Mr.Rahul Sharma, Siri Fort

Treatment Principles:

Avoid the triggers that make eczema worse.

Maintenance treatment is with emollients or moisturisers & the occasional use of topical steroids.

It is important to keep up a regular regimen in order to keep down flares ups and infections.

STEROIDS:

Steroids are important to reduce inflammation in flare-ups.

They come in varying strengths – mild, moderate, potent and very potent.

They should be applied in a thin layer, about 10-15 minutes after your emollient.

They are usually applied once daily for 7-14 days.

EMOLLIENTS:

Emollients are products that moisturise and soften dry skin.

Apply emollients generously at least 3 times a day all over the body.

Apply gently in the direction of hair growth.

Apply within 3 minutes of getting out of the bath to ‘lock in the moisture.

General Measures:

Identify specific trigger factors & avoid them where possible.

Keep fingernails short to prevent infections from scratching.

TRY NOT TO SCRATCH – Antihistamines may help for some.

Wear cotton clothes where possible and avoid woollen material.