Eczema Treatment Utah County

When a patient’s eczema is improving (eczema is light or gone), the transition to a lighter eczema treatment is recommended. The treatment is not combined with a corticosteroid and, instead, a thicker lotion is used. We often suggest Cetaphil Restoraderm, Aveeno Eczema, or any thick lotion (often called “intensive care”, “maximum strength”, or “extra dry”). Lotions are often preferred because they are less thick and absorb faster. These are best used as maintenance since they can “burn” if eczema is broken open such as in moderate or severe eczema. Newer eczema lotions with hydrating repair factors like ceramides and lipids are good lotion options. It is still important to apply these products after bathing, showering, or swimming to prevent the wet to dry cycle. Note: any lotion or moisturizer can be used. Lotions aren’t as strong as the steroid/cream combo, so return to using these more potent treatments liberally if flaring with moderate to severe eczema.

• Wet Wraps

  To help ease the discomfort eczema causes, a patient can use wet wraps at home. Wet wraps are done to decrease the inflammation in the skin, hydrate, and provide a cooling effect to the skin, as well as to prevent scratching. First, hydrate the skin by soaking in warm bath water for 5-15 minutes. After the bath, pat off excess water from the skin and apply the prescribed cream or cream/cortisone combo to the damp skin. This should be done within 1-3 minutes after soaking. Immediately after the medicine is applied to the skin, put on the moistened, 100% cotton, tightly fitted, long underwear (or pajamas). The long underwear should be immersed in warm water, wrung out, and put in drier for a few minutes so that it is damp but not dripping wet. It is important that this layer holds the moisture for 2-6 hours. If it begins to dry out, wet it again (optional). Next, apply a dry, 100% cotton sweatsuit (or for children pajamas) over the moistened layer. This layer is to prevent the wet layer from drying out and also helps keep the patient warm. If hands or feet are involved, use damp white cotton socks for the feet and damp Dermpak® gauze or other cotton gloves for the hands. You may buy the gloves at a drugstore. If, while wearing the wet wraps, the patient becomes chilled, use extra blankets for warmth.

• Wet-Dry Cycle

  One crucial step in eczema care is to minimize the wet to dry cycle. The repeated drying of the skin after getting wet can dry out and inflame the skin, allowing eczema to return. That is why it is important to trap in moisture after bathing, showering, or swimming. Dr. Myers recommends applying the combination product right after every shower/bath or after swimming while the skin is still slightly wet. This locks in the moisture and breaks the wet to dry cycle that can cause skin problems.

• Itch Relief

  For itch, antihistamines can be helpful as a part of the regimen of eczema treatment: Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine), or Zyrtec (cetirizine) are non-sedating antihistamines that decrease histamine (cause of itch). These are over the counter and have a wonderful safety record. Sometimes, repeated scratching opens up the skin and makes it susceptible to bacterial infections. If Dr. Myers determines a skin infection is present, antibiotics can be used to treat the infection. Swimming or “swimming pool baths” can help to control the amount of bacteria on the skin (possibly reducing the need for antibiotics) and can reduce the severity of eczema flares. Depending on the particular case, other medications may be advised; phototherapy or other treatment procedures can be utilized if needed.