By: Shania Sheth
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that makes your skin red, itchy, and inflamed. It's common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is typically chronic and tends to flare periodically. Unfortunately, no cure has been found for atopic dermatitis. However, treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks.
Eczema symptoms and effective therapies vary by each patient. Treatment for severe eczema may include at-home treatments or prescription medications to ease the awful, stinging itch, and discomfort. Other than regular cleaning and moisturizing, here are a few suggested treatments for severe eczema.
1. Wet dressings
Wet dressings are an effective method to treat severe eczema and often reduce symptoms in several hours to days. A corticosteroid cream is spread on the affected area and covered with a wet bandage. Then the wet bandages are then covered with dry bandages.
2. Calcineurin inhibitors
Calcineurin inhibitors are medications that modify your immune system. Their purpose is to reduce the inflammation associated with eczema. These are prescription creams that you can apply to your skin.
Examples of calcineurin inhibitors: tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel)
Potential side effects: skin irritation, burning, itching, cold sores, blisters
3. Oral medications
Oral medications can be prescribed to individuals with eczema that isn’t in one specific area or individuals who don’t respond to creams. Oral medications work by slowing the immune system response, which can help to reduce the severity of eczema symptoms.
Examples of oral medications: azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine, and methotrexate
Potential side effects: increased infection risk, nausea, high blood pressure, kidney or liver damage
4. Ultraviolet light and phototherapy
Ultraviolet light therapy is often used to treat severe eczema that doesn’t respond to creams. This involves a machine that exposes your skin to ultraviolet (UV) light. According to the National Eczema Association, about 70 percent of people with eczema had improved symptoms after phototherapy. Phototherapy usually involves a visit to a dermatologist’s office two to three times a week and it can sometimes take one to two months for the treatment to take effect.
5. Injectable medications
In March 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved dupilumab (Dupixent). This medication is a biologic that can help lower inflammation in the treatment of moderate-to-severe eczema. It can help those with eczema that isn’t well-controlled as well as people who can’t use topical products. The clinical trials showed that most people experienced clear skin and reduced itching after about 16 weeks.
Potential side effects: conjunctivitis, cold sores, and eyelid inflammation
Scientific researchers are actively conducting clinical trials on new medications in the hopes of finding long-term solutions for managing eczema.
References:
Mayo Clinic. (2020, June 12). Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Retrieved May 4, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273
Nall, R. (2019, May 1). 5 Treatments to Help People with Severe Eczema. Retrieved May 4, 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health/atopic-dermatitis/severe-eczema-treatments
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