The Impact of Eczema and How to Treat It

Dealing with eczema can take a toll on your well-being—both physical and emotional. In fact, research shows atopic dermatitis is associated with a lower quality of life than a number of other common chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. The harmful effects can impact a range of areas, including emotional and mental health, physical activity, social functioning, sleep disturbance, work productivity, leisure activities, and family relationships.

Just know you’re not alone. Half of adults with moderate to severe AD say that atopic dermatitis significantly limits their lifestyle and nearly 35% with mild atopic dermatitis also experience some lifestyle limitations.

Having eczema may make you feel anxious, embarrassed, or lacking in confidence. It could also make you feel angry, frustrated or depressed. More than one-third of people with AD say they “often” or “always” feel angry or embarrassed by their appearance due to the disease and one-third to one-half of adults with AD avoid social interactions because of their appearance. If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression, consult a healthcare provider or mental health specialist.

While there is no single solution for coping with eczema, there are lots of management strategies that can help – like taking medicine daily or sticking to a skincare routine. Others are more subtle, like practicing self-care, taking time for you, and finding distractions. The key is knowing yourself and finding what works best for you.

Topical Treatments for Eczema

The treatment of eczema is similar in people of all races and ethnicities. Goals of treatment include relieving itch and hydrating to help restore the skin’s moisture barrier. Gentle skin care and liberal use of moisturizers are considered first-line therapy for management of eczema. So even when you are not experiencing a flare, basic management including trigger avoidance and moisturization is essential.

Cleansers and Moisturizers

Moisturizers help replace lost moisture, help restore the skin’s moisture barrier, and help relieve flare-ups. It is important to continue a regular moisturizing routine even when you are not experiencing a flare-up. Mild cleansing won’t strip the skin of essential moisture and can help prepare the skin for topical therapies.

Over-the-counter Medications

Topical anti-itch creams containing hydrocortisone may help to ease symptoms. Follow the directions on the label carefully. Do not use more often or longer than recommended on the label or by your healthcare provider.

Prescription Medications

There are a number of prescription topical eczema medications used to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation. The most common include topical corticosteroids in varying strengths. Considered the mainstay of eczema therapy, topical corticosteroids help to ease itching in both acute and chronic eczema. When using a steroid, follow your doctor’s directions carefully and only apply the steroid to eczema-affected areas of your skin. Using too much may cause hypopigmentation – a lightening of that area of the skin.

Non-steroidal prescription treatments for the treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in adults and children include Topical Calcineruin Inhibitors (TCIs) and PDE4 Inhibitors. Other prescription treatment options include oral corticosteroids, biologics and antibiotics.

Prescription Medications

Topical Steroid Withdrawal

The National Eczema Association (NEA) is committed to raising awareness about Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), a serious potential side effect of topical steroid use that is not readily recognized by patients and providers.

The National Eczema Association recently released an educational announcement on the use of topical steroids for the treatment of eczema. Topical corticosteroid withdrawal (sometimes called “topical steroid addiction” or “Red Skin Syndrome”) appears to be a clinical adverse effect that can occur when topical corticosteroids are inappropriately used or overused, then stopped. It can result from prolonged, frequent, and inappropriate use of moderate to high potency topical corticosteroids, especially on the face and genital area, but is not limited to these criteria.

Burning, stinging, and bright red skin are the typical features of topical steroid overuse and withdrawal. The signs and symptoms occur within days to weeks after TCS discontinuation. If you believe you have these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

Tips for Easing Eczema Symptoms

Eczema can be managed by identifying and avoiding the things that cause flareups and establishing a daily skin care routine. Proper bathing and moisturizing are essential for the daily care of skin with eczema. Mild cleansing can help prepare the skin for topical therapies. Moisturizers restore and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.

Showering Tips

Use lukewarm water, not hot.
Limit the length of your shower or bath to 10 to 15 minutes.
Use a mild, non-drying, fragrance free cleanser.
Gently pat skin dry – don’t rub.
Avoid body sponges and washcloths.

Moisturizing Tips

Apply moisturizers to damp skin (within 3 minutes of taking a bath or shower).
If prescribed by a doctor, apply any special medications first and then liberally apply moisturizer. For some medications you may be advised to wait 15-20 minutes after applying before applying moisturizer, so be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
Consider using a moisturizer with colloidal oatmeal, such as AVEENO^® Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream or AVEENO^® Eczema Therapy Itch Relief Balm clinically proven to temporarily protect and help relieve the itching and irritation due to eczema. Colloidal oatmeal is the only skin protectant ingredient FDA-approved for the treatment of eczema.

As always, talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Additional Tips

Pamper your skin. Eczema can be managed through maintaining good skin care habits while avoiding things that can trigger flare-ups.

Try not to scratch. Easier said than done, but repeated scratching can lead to further irritation and pigmentation changes.

Use sunscreen. Everyone should protect their skin from the sun every day, all year round. If your eczema has caused discolorations, going out in the sun can worsen it. Many people with eczema find mineral-based sunscreens containing titanium dioxide are gentle to the skin.

For relief of the physical symptoms of eczema, try Aveeno^® Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream, Rescue Relief Treatment Gel Cream, or Nighttime Itch Relief Balm.

References:

National Eczema Association. The National Eczema Association website also has a search tool that you can use to find a doctor or other healthcare professional in your area who specializes in treating eczema.