Eczema is a term that actually describes a group of medical conditions. It causes the skin to become inflamed and irritated, and affects approximately 10-20% of infants and 3% of adults. Symptoms include itching and a rash, and are mostly commonly found on the face, backs of the knees, hands, wrists, and feet. Affected areas are usually very dry, with the skin appearing thickened or scaly. The exact cause is unknown, but it's generally thought to be an overreaction of the immune system. Some people have flare-ups under certain circumstances, such as contact with certain chemicals or textures. There are a variety of treatments for eczema.
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1. Steroids
Topical steroids are typically used as a short-term treatment for eczema, usually in conjunction with emollients (moisturizers, discussed below). Topical steroids are applied to the skin, and are different than the steroids you may think of when you think of birth control pills or bodybuilding. Topical steroids are usually used to treat flares, and once the flare subsides, the treatment is stopped or stepped back, depending on the severity of your eczema overall. Typically, it's applied 1-2 times per day, either before or after emollient application, with a period of about a half hour between the two treatments.Next