Treatments Your Provider May Prescribe
Topical or oral (systemic) medications can include:
- Topical steroid creams or ointments may be prescribed to treat active areas of localized eczema. Lower strength steroids may be used on the face and medium to high strength steroids may be used on the torso and arms and legs.
- Care should be taken when using topical steroids in skin folds because of the risk of thinning of the skin.
- Steroid-sparing agents such as topical tacrolimus or pimecrolimus may be prescribed for milder cases of eczema or for certain areas of involvement, such as the face.
- Oral antihistamines may be prescribed to decrease itching.
- If an infection is suspected, topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
- In patients who have multiple areas of broken skin or a history of bacterial skin infections, dilute bleach baths may be prescribed.
Procedures:
- For more extensive eczema, forms of light therapy may be recommended.
- Those with resistant disease may be treated with oral medications used to suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus.
Self-Care Guidelines
