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What treatments are available?Offered below is information regarding current treatments available for eczema. This information should not replace the advice provided by your doctor or health care professional.
How to respond to flaresDaily management • The first essential step in caring for skin is daily use of moisturisers. Always use a moisturiser regardless of whether eczema is present or not • Applying moisturisers regularly can help prevent the skin from drying out and can be enough to control some mild cases of eczema Controlling flares (Early tingle, itch, redness, swelling and scratch marks) • Ask your doctor whether steroid-free prescription medication would be appropriate for you • These treatments can be applied at the first signs and symptoms of a flare to help prevent these from worsening • They may help calm the redness and itch of eczema and with intermittent use may improve long-term control • Steroid-free treatments are now available on prescription, and some people are eligible for a PBS prescription Treating major flares (Severe redness and swelling with possible oozing, crusting and blistering) • Corticosteroid (‘steroid’ or ‘cortisone’) creams and ointments can quickly help to calm the redness and itch of eczema, particularly for major flares. Most must be prescribed by a doctor • It is generally advisable not to use steroids for an extended period of time without a break • Your doctor may recommend different strengths of steroids for different parts of your body. When used appropriately, steroids are an effective treatment to be used as part of your total eczema management • Your doctor may also speak with you about other treatments including wet dressings, oral medications and ultraviolet light therapyDaily management • The first essential step in caring for skin is daily use of moisturisers. Always use a moisturiser regardless of whether eczema is present or not • Applying moisturisers regularly can help prevent the skin from drying out and can be enough to control some mild cases of eczemaControlling flares(Early tingle, itch, redness, swelling and scratch marks) • Ask your doctor whether steroid-free prescription medication would be appropriate for you • These treatments can be applied at the first signs and symptoms of a flare to help prevent these from worsening • They may help calm the redness and itch of eczema and with intermittent use may improve long-term control • Steroid-free treatments are now available on prescription, and some people are eligible for a PBS prescription  Skin Selective Cytokine InhibitorA new class of treatment that is steroid free, such as pimecrolimus cream 1%, may be prescribed by your doctor. When applied at the first signs and symptoms of atopic eczema, pimecrolimus cream 1% has been shown to help prevent progression to flare, reduce the severity of flares and the need to use topical corticosteroids, making the eczema condition more manageable. Daily Skin CareGood daily skin care will help to reduce the likelihood of eczema. Regardless of age, the Eczema Association of Australasia recommends the following skin care regimen:
Oral CorticosteroidsPrescribed in severe cases usually under the direction of a doctor when topical corticosteroids are ineffective. Close monitoring is required. Topical Corticosteroids ("Cortisone")These creams and ointments, such as Elocon, Diprosone, Betnovate, Aristocort, Novosone, Celestone, Sigmacort and Advantan, are most often prescribed by a doctor to treat the high point of eczema flares. AntihistaminesCan help control chronic itching and aid in restful sleep with a sedative effect. Non-sedative anti-histamines are also available. Complementary TherapiesMany treatments such as aromatherapy, relaxation, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and psychotherapy are being explored. Wet DressingsWet dressings have a cooling effect and can be used at night to help control the itch and prevent scratching. |
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What is eczema?Learn about eczema, what it is and how it occurs.Breaking the cyclePreventative measures about How to control flare-ups and itching. |
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