What is the best treatment for eczema?

The first eczema treatment is local, based on creams prescribed by the physician and/or advised by the pharmacist. The treatment of atopic dermatitis is based on two types of creams :

• On the one hand, creams to be applied to plaques: cortisone creams, ointments based on topical immunosuppressants, medical devices in the form of soothing repair creams. The treatment is envisaged from the first red plaques until they disappear;
• On the other hand, creams to be applied to dry skin: emollients are available in the form of lotions, creams or balms to adapt to all levels of skin dryness. The treatment is envisaged over a long period of time and prevents the appearance of new flare-ups.

If the creams are not enough to relieve the eczema, the physician will suggest other treatments such as:

• Oral tablets: mainly cyclosporine based, in some forms of adult eczema. The treatment is prescribed over a period of usually one to two years, to help the patient to pass an inflammatory "milestone";
• Injections: a new biotherapy type of treatment has been added to the therapeutic arsenal and constitutes a useful alternative for adults suffering from severe eczema and facing a therapeutic impasse;
• Phototherapy sessions: the application of ultraviolet rays in therapeutic doses and under medical supervision can relieve some forms of eczema in adolescents and adults;
• Thermal cures: they are for young and old alike and last three weeks.

When oral or injectable eczema treatment is started, creams are often continued. Especially the emollient, which must continue to be applied daily to soften and repair the skin, and provide ever greater comfort.

The choice of eczema treatment depends on many factors:

• Age
• Type of eczema
• Severity of skin damage
• Impact on quality of life
• Previous treatments for eczema
• Patient-specific contraindications

Many people reject cortisone treatments to relieve eczema and seek other eczema solutions.

Cortisone creams are the standard treatment for most eczema. They are the basis for the management of atopic dermatitis but also for the treatment of dyshidrosis or contact eczema.

Cortisone creams have been used for more than 70 years in dermatology. Adverse effects exist: pigmentation disorders, stretch marks, delayed healing, thinning of the skin, etc. At the doses and durations recommended for eczema, these adverse effects are very infrequent and should not prevent the initiation of an effective treatment against eczema.

If you have any questions about your treatment, don't hesitate to ask your physician or pharmacist for advice.

Beware of natural solutions: they are not without risk, especially those based on essential oils. Do not apply anything to eczema plaques other than the treatment prescribed by the physician and/or recommended by the pharmacist.

Alongside eczema treatment, it is often necessary to implement specific measures in almost all areas of daily life, such as choosing a cleansing product suitable for atopic skin or choosing natural materials such as cotton or linen for clothing.

Stress management is an integral part of eczema treatment when there is a lot of stress and frequent flare-ups

• Sophrology
• Yoga
• Mindfulness meditation
• ​Relaxation…

Therapeutic education sessions or the use of a patient association can help patients to talk to other patients and feel less alone.