The following treatment recommendations should be considered under professional surveillance, even in the case of milder moisturizers.
Moisturizers
The products most useful for a proper hydration of the skin (particularly of dry skin areas) are lotions, creams, ointments, and emollients. They are included in the category of moisturizers and they are regularly recommended for all eczema conditions. Any kind of moisturizer should be applied as often as needed on the cracked or dry skin areas.
From mineral oil and baby oil to Eucerin, Aquaphor and Mositurel, you can choose the one that best suits you. Try to get a professional tip. There are certain moisturizers that can worsen eczema. However, a doctor will know what to recommend by looking into your health background. Also, pay attention to moisturizers that include alcohol as one of the major ingredients. Avoid such products or at least purchase those with smaller amounts of alcohol. In the cases where burning sensations are manifest, alcohol is highly likely to worsen them.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are generally recommended in order to reduce itchy sensations and, as a result, to diminish scratching and/or rubbing (two frequent habits that aggravate any Eczema condition). The series of older antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Atarax, seems to have been more efficient than the new ones, such as Allegra or Claritin. Moreover, topical Benadryl use is not generally advised because it can aggravate the skin condition, despite the fact that reduces itchy sensations. The new antihistamines are preferred due to the fact that they do not generate somnolence as much as the older ones. However, it is recommended that oral antihistamines are taken during nighttime.
Topical Steroids
Moisturizers are frequently reinforced by applications of topical steroids, especially in the cases where the skin condition shows no sign of improvement after repeated emollient use. When the damaged skin area turns excessively red and inflamed, you should pay attention to the potency of the topical steroid you apply. Only your doctor can determine if you need topical steroids. Also, it is only your doctor who will prescribe just how potent the topical steroid you apply should be.
Topical Immunosuppressants
One type of medication that has a control over the way in which a patient’s immune system responds to certain offending agents (triggers and skin irritants) comes in the form of topical immunosuppressants. Due to the fact that they deal with immunity reactions (which can be extreme sometimes and lead to an aggravation of the patient’s skin condition), topical immunosuppressants are fit for removing visible symptoms from any damaged skin area. Furthermore, they diminish itchy sensations. Elidel and Protopic are the two most common immunosuppressants. However, research in this particular field of medication is not very extended. This is why you should deeply analyze this option before actually applying it. Of course, a dermatologist is the best ally you can gain in this respect too.
