The expert dermatologist at our advanced clinic, Mehektagul Clinic, will prescribe a treatment procedure based on the severity of the condition. In many cases, the treatment begins with a skincare routine and moves on to topical application and oral medication. A combination of treatments may also be recommended.
Medicated topical creams containing a corticosteroid or calcineurin inhibitor may be prescribed. The creams have to be applied directly to the affected area before using the moisturizer. Follow the instructions carefully, as overuse of corticosteroids can result in thinning of the skin.
In severe conditions, oral medication for inflammation may be necessary to control the swelling and pain. Pills with meth-otre-xate, cyc-los-po-rine, my-co-phen-ol-ate, pre-dni-so-ne, and aza-thio-prine are often prescribed for the short term. These medicines should not be taken for a longer period of time.
Light therapy is recommended when the condition flares up multiple times and doesn’t respond to other treatments. Phototherapy is when the affected area is exposed to artificial UVA and UVB light. While the treatment is effective, prolonged sessions can cause premature skin aging and even result in skin cancer.
Wet dressing is another treatment for severe eczema. A topical ointment is applied, and the area is wrapped in wet gauze topped with a layer of dry gauze. This allows the medication to seep into the skin while retaining moisture to prevent dryness. However, this treatment is labor-intensive and has to be performed by trained nurses.
Injectable biologics like tralokinumab (Adbry) are prescribed for people with moderate-to-severe eczema if they don’t respond to other treatments. Dupilumab and tralokinumab are safe to use, though the former should be injected only for kids aged over 6.