Let’s start with the not-so-good news. There’s no cure for eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis). It’s a chronic condition that causes red, itchy and bumpy skin. And 1 in 10 people in the U.S. have it. That means you’ll likely need to manage it for a long time. But there’s good news. You can choose from a variety of medications to treat it.
People with eczema often have an overactive immune system. When they’re exposed to a trigger, their body responds by producing inflammation.
It shows up on the skin as itchy redness or scaliness. Any number of things could set it off — stress, dry skin, an ingredient in your shampoo or something you’re allergic to, such as pollen.
There’s no single best therapy for eczema, says Raj Chovatiya, MD. He’s a dermatologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. But there are medications that can help.
Here’s what you need to know about eczema and how it’s treated. Remember: Use your free prescription discount card any time you go to the pharmacy. You don’t want to miss out on potential savings.
First, keep skin hydrated
Before you try medication, make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your skin clean and well moisturized. That alone can head off symptoms and help your skin heal.
Let’s tackle washing first. Dr. Chovatiya recommends fragrance-free cleansers that aren’t soap-based. And stay away from anything with “exfoliating” on the label, such as facial scrubs, he says. Make sure you thoroughly (but gently) wash every day.
Then moisturize, moisturize, moisturize after you wash your skin. And reapply moisturizer several times a day. You want the most hydrating moisturizer you can find. Typically, “the greasier, the better,” says Rebecca Thiede, MD. She’s a Banner-University Medicine dermatology specialist and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Arizona in Tucson.
Thick ointments are better than creams, she says. And creams are better than lotions or gels. Dr. Thiede especially likes moisturizers that say they contain ceramides or lipids.
You want a moisturizer that doesn’t have fragrances or essential oils. In fact, that should be true of everything you put on your skin if you have eczema.
Recommended reading: What are the differences among psoriasis, eczema and rosacea?
Try an eczema medication
Eczema patients have more of the cells that react to triggers and produce inflammation, Dr. Thiede says. Many medications work by targeting those inflammatory cells.
It might take some trial and error to find the medication that works for you. Team up with your dermatologist to make a plan. And don’t give up if the first thing you try doesn’t help. (Find out how your doctor can help you afford eczema care.)
Topical corticosteroids
Your doctor will first have you try topical corticosteroids. They come in a range of strengths and forms. There are creams, ointments, lotions, foams, gels and shampoos.
The one your doctor prescribes will depend on a couple of things. First, where on your body will you use it? You would use a less powerful medication on your neck, for instance. But the skin on your hands or feet could probably handle something stronger.
It also depends on how bad your flares are. The more severe, the stronger a corticosteroid your doctor might start you on. Some common topical corticosteroids are:
- Kenalog® (triamcinolone)
- Cutivate® (fluticasone)
- Cyclocort® (amcinonide)
- Betanate® (betamethasone dipropionate)
- Elocon® (mometasone furoate)
These medications do come with potential side effects. You might get acne or have discolored or thinning skin. There’s a chance of developing cataracts or glaucoma with prolonged use. But those side effects are rare when the medication is used properly, Dr. Thiede says.
