Last updated December 8, 2023
What is atopic eczema, and what can be done to relieve it? Get the doctor’s best advice
Atopic eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy skin with patchy rashes. The rash can be present all the time, or it can come and go.
- Atopic eczema often debuts in early childhood, and many, but not all, experience improvement as adults. The severity varies from person to person and is typically affected by the seasons, with worsening in autumn and winter, says general practitioner Sol Malm Hagen in Eyr.
Some only have small areas of mild itching, while others may have large skin areas with intense itching and angry rashes.
- Atopic eczema occurs more often in those who have allergies or asthma themselves, or in close family. It is likely a combination of heredity and environment that together cause atopic eczema, she says.
Treatment
The most important single measure against atopic eczema is the use of moisturizing cream to prevent drying of the skin.
- It is therefore recommended to repeatedly use moisturizing cream on the entire body, especially after full-body washing. It is advisable to use detergents and soap without perfume, and when showering, it may be wise to replace soap with bath oil, especially in small children. If possible, the extent of showering and bathing should be reduced, especially in the winter months, she says.
In addition to regular moisturizers, cortisone preparations are the most important medication in the treatment of atopic eczema. In atopic eczema, corticosteroids are usually given in the form of an ointment or cream. For very dry skin, ointment is generally better than cream. Corticosteroids relieve itching, pain, and discomfort caused by the eczema, and help the eczema heal faster.
- Atopic eczema can be persistent. Some may need to try different treatments over months to years to get the condition under control. And even if the treatment is successful, symptoms can reappear, especially in the winter months, says Pakzad.
It is important that the condition is recognized early so that treatment can start as early as possible. If regular moisturizing treatment and other self-help treatments do not work, it is advisable to talk to your doctor to assess whether prescription medication is necessary.
How do you treat eczema?
- The most important treatment principle for atopic eczema is that you must treat active eczema with a cortisone preparation as soon as it appears. The longer you wait, the worse it can get. It can spread to larger areas of the skin and infection can occur, she says.
Many are concerned about the harmful effects of using cortisone. Among other things, we know that the skin can become thin and fragile if cortisone creams are used for a long time.
- In children and adolescents, it has been shown that side effects on the skin quickly disappear when the cortisone treatment is stopped. If the prescription is followed, there is minimal risk of side effects. However, it is both harmful and troublesome to live with chronic eczema changes in the skin, which can lead to more serious infections, she says.
What can Eyr help with? Basically, you want to avoid using strong cortisone creams on the face. This is especially important for small children.
The doctors at Eyr always recommend discussing the plan and treatment with an experienced doctor for optimal treatment and to limit side effects.