Eczema is the most common cause of dry, itchy skin. It’s usually mild and often goes away without treatment. But when it doesn’t, then the endless itch-scratch cycle begins. It’s frustrating and you long for relief.
So, what is the best treatment for eczema? Treatments for dry, itchy eczema skin vary and depend on the underlying cause. In this blog, we will cover the causes and symptoms of eczema, home remedies to soothe it, and prescription treatments available for you.
What is Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, and intense itching. It often leads to dry, cracked, and scaly skin. While it’s common in children, eczema can affect people of all ages.
We don’t know the exact cause of eczema yet, but it’s linked to a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Triggers like allergens, stress, irritants, and weather changes can make symptoms worse.
If untreated, eczema can lead to extreme discomfort and keep you up at night. Sometimes, it may even lead to skin infections. Dr. Fakhouri recommends consulting a dermatologist to manage flare-ups before they become a serious concern.
What are the Signs That You Have Eczema?
The symptoms of eczema can vary from mild to severe and they include:
- Dry, itchy skin
- Red or inflamed patches
- Small, raised bumps that may leak fluid
- Thickened or scaly skin
- Dark or discolored areas on the skin
- Sensitive skin that reacts to irritants
- Cracked or bleeding skin during flare-ups
Itchy eczema is very treatable and there are many ways to treat it. If it’s disrupting your daily life or is becoming a concern, it’s best to check with your doctor. If you’re looking for a dermatologist near Houston, schedule a consultation with our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Fakhouri.
Home Remedies for Eczema
The best way to get relief from eczema is by applying prescription topical skin treatments recommended by a board-certified dermatologist. We don’t recommend using anti-itch products unless they are doctor-recommended. Most of these anti-itch products make the itchiness worse.
Meanwhile, Dr. Fakhouri recommends the following at-home treatments to provide temporary relief from itchy eczema.
1. Moisturize immediately after bathing.
- Keeping your skin adequately moisturized is the foundation of eczema treatment. After showering or bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a towel, leaving it slightly damp.
- Apply a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment (like CeraVe, Aquaphor, or Vanicream) within three minutes to seal in moisture. This step prevents your skin from drying out.
2. Use cool compresses.
- Soak a clean cloth in cold water, wring it out, and apply it to itchy or inflamed areas for 10–15 minutes.
- Follow up with a moisturizer. This can provide quick relief from itching and redness, especially during flare-ups.
3. Switch to gentle products.
- Replace soaps and detergents with fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options.
- For example, use unscented laundry detergent (like Tide Free & Gentle) and soap-free cleansers (such as Cetaphil or Dove Sensitive Skin) to avoid further irritation.
4. Take lukewarm baths with additives.
- Limit baths or showers to 10 minutes using lukewarm water.
- Add colloidal oatmeal (like Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment) or baking soda to the bath to reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin. Gently pat your skin dry and moisturize immediately after.
5. Wear soft, breathable fabrics.
- Choose loose clothing made from cotton or bamboo to avoid rubbing against sensitive skin.
- Avoid wool, polyester, or other rough fabrics, as these can worsen itching.
- Wash new clothes before wearing them to remove potential irritants.
6. Protect your skin overnight.
- Before bed, generously apply moisturizer and wear lightweight, cotton gloves to prevent nighttime scratching.
- If eczema affects your feet, you can wear soft cotton socks after applying a thick moisturizer or ointment.
7. Hydrate inside and out.
- Drink plenty of water daily to keep your skin hydrated.
- If you live in a dry climate or experience seasonal dryness, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.
8. Manage stress effectively.
- Since stress can trigger eczema flare-ups, try to incorporate relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or meditation into your daily routine.
What are the Best Treatments for Eczema?
Eczema treatments are based on the severity of symptoms, the underlying cause, and how your skin responds to specific treatments. Dr. Fakhouri will consider one or more options depending on these factors.
Treatments for Mild Eczema
Over-the-Counter Corticosteroids
Low-strength hydrocortisone creams (1%) can quickly calm redness, itching, and inflammation. Use sparingly on affected areas for up to one week unless directed otherwise by a doctor.
Oral Antihistamines
For eczema triggered by allergens or severe itchiness, over-the-counter antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) can help. They are especially helpful at night to prevent itching from disrupting sleep.
Treatments for Severe Eczema
Prescription Topical Treatments
For more severe inflammation, dermatologists often prescribe topical steroids such as betamethasone or triamcinolone. Non-steroidal options like tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) are also effective, especially for sensitive areas like the face or neck.
UV Therapy
If topical treatments aren’t enough, narrowband UVB light therapy can help reduce inflammation and itching by slowing down overactive immune responses. This treatment is typically performed in a clinical setting a few times a week.
Systemic Medications
For chronic and severe cases, systemic medications like cyclosporine, methotrexate, or newer biologic treatments like dupilumab (Dupixent) can target the underlying immune response causing eczema. These require close monitoring by a dermatologist.
Wet Wrap Therapy
This involves applying a heavy layer of prescription ointment like triamcinolone or mometasone, covering the treated skin with damp gauze or bandages, and then adding a dry layer on top. Wet wraps can deliver intense hydration and medication directly to the skin, providing fast relief during flare-ups.
Oral Antihistamines
Severe eczema can cause relentless itchiness. Oral antihistamines like hydroxyzine or diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may be prescribed to help reduce itching, especially at night. While these don’t treat the inflammation itself, they can significantly improve your quality of life during flare-ups.
Get Relief from Eczema Today.
Dr. Tarek M. Fakhouri is a board-certified dermatologist in Texas specializing in treating itchy skin conditions, including eczema. Call us at 832-364-6184 to book your appointment today and get personalized care from Houston’s top dermatologist. We have four locations to serve you: Sugar Land, Conroe, Katy, and Houston, Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eczema contagious?
No, eczema is not contagious. It’s a chronic condition related to the skin and immune system.
Does eczema spread?
Eczema doesn’t spread to other people, but untreated eczema can worsen or cover larger areas due to scratching.
What’s the best cream for eczema?
The best creams for eczema are those recommended by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Fakhouri. They are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and contain ceramides, glycerin, or colloidal oatmeal to lock in moisture.
What is the strongest medicine to stop itching?
For intense itching, dermatologists often recommend prescription options like hydroxyzine or biologics like Dupixent. Antihistamines like Zyrtec can help with nighttime itchiness.
[GBP 1]
What are the signs that you have Eczema? 🚨😫
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, and intense itching. It often leads to dry, cracked, and scaly skin. While it’s common in children, eczema can affect people of all ages.
If untreated, eczema can lead to extreme discomfort and keep you up at night. Sometimes, it may even lead to skin infections. Dr. Fakhouri recommends consulting a dermatologist to manage flare-ups before they become a serious concern.
The symptoms of eczema can vary from mild to severe and they include:
🚩Dry, itchy skin
🚩Red or inflamed patches
🚩Small, raised bumps that may leak fluid
🚩Thickened or scaly skin
🚩Dark or discolored areas on the skin
🚩Sensitive skin that reacts to irritants
🚩Cracked or bleeding skin during flare-ups
Itchy eczema is very treatable and there are many ways to treat it. If it’s disrupting your daily life or is becoming a concern, it’s best to check with your doctor.
If you’re looking for a dermatologist near Houston, 📞 schedule a consultation with our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Fakhouri. We have four locations to serve you: Sugar Land, Conroe, Katy, and Houston, Texas.
