Diagnostics
Eczema is a diagnosis of the eyes. By means of precise questioning, the doctor tries to narrow down possible causes in order to ensure optimal treatment. Especially in the case of contact eczema, allergy tests are carried out to avoid the trigger in the future.
Ointments against eczema
Refatting measures, for example with urea ointment and avoiding excessive contact with water, make dry skin supple more quickly. However, these urea-containing ointments should only be used after the skin has healed. Otherwise, the ointment will cause an unpleasant, painful burning sensation.
Alternative ingredients are coconut oil, almond oil or aloe vera. Marigold extracts also soothe the skin. Oil baths can replace the conventional shower gel and can take over the re-greasing during daily care.
If the eczema is rather weeping, drying pastes, for example with zinc, help. Steroid ointments have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, steroid therapy is never a long-term therapy, but is indicated in the acute stage, as the skin thins out during long-term therapy and becomes more susceptible to infections.
The strength of the ointment depends not only on the severity of the inflammation, but also on the affected part of the body. For this reason, it should always only be applied in consultation with the dermatologist or family doctor. An alternative are calcineurin inhibitors, which can also be applied to the skin in case of intolerance to steroid ointment. Overall, fewer side effects are to be expected, but the costs are many times higher.
Further treatment options for eczema
If the eczema is caused by an allergy, the trigger should be avoided in the future. Stress should also be specifically reduced, otherwise eczema will worsen or flare up again and again. Humidifiers or stays at the sea improve the skin condition in some cases.
Antihistamines are medications that are prescribed for itchy skin to relieve the itching. Steroids can also be taken as tablets if the ointment treatment is unsuccessful. Immunosuppressants are only used as tablets in the case of the most severe courses of the disease, for example in atopic dermatitis.
A combination with UV light therapy can also bring about an improvement. Treatment with tar is often successful in chronic eczema, but the smell is very unpleasant. In addition, any exposure to the sun during treatment must be avoided in order to reduce the risk of skin cancer later on.
There are different opinions about the treatment of eczema with home remedies, homeopathy and natural remedies. In principle, every patient should try out what helps him or her best, but total diets and dietary supplements should be used with caution when used alone. One household remedy that is often used against dry skin is citric acid.
Here, the sliced lemon is simply spread over the eczema to soften the hornification. In case of incomplete healing, i.e. if the skin is still a little open, this method causes burning pain. What already took away the itching with chickenpox can also help with eczema: A porridge made from oatmeal.
The oatmeal is mixed with water and applied to the itchy areas. Anti-inflammatory plants such as chamomile as tea, calendula or oak bark as an ointment can possibly prevent the use of a cortisone ointment. Information about eczema: Other topics which might be of interest to you All topics published in the field of dermatology so far can be found under Dermatology A-Z.
- Eczema
- Eczema eye
- Eczema of the eyelid
- Eczema on the foot
- Eczema between the toes
- Eczema on finger
- Eczema on the face
- Eczema corner of the mouth
- Eczema in the genital area
- Eczema scalp
- Eczema in the ear
- Eczema auditory canal
- Eczema hollow of the knee
- Eczema Acorn
- Eczema on the Po
- Eczema Baby
- Eczema Hand
- Hand eczema
- Dry skin eczema
- Skin rash
- Neurodermatitis
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Skin changes
- Skin itches
- Skin scales