Understanding the Different Treatments for Eczema
Auto-immune disorders like eczema are incredibly frustrating as medical researchers continue to seek answers as to why your immune system turns on your body. In the meantime, you’re left with considerable discomfort and quality-of-life issues and you want solutions.
While there may not be a magic bullet, we offer plenty of effective treatments and management techniques that can help keep your skin in the pink of health.
As dermatology experts, Drs. Matthew Zarraga and Khongruk Wongkittiroch understand how frustrating a skin condition like eczema can be, which is why we provide comprehensive treatment plans here at Z-Roc Dermatology.
If you’re struggling with persistent eczema, explore the many ways we can help.
Our role in managing your eczema
As we mentioned, there’s no cure for eczema, but there’s much that we can do to control the condition. To help you manage a flare-up, we start with topical creams (steroidal or nonsteroidal) and emollient moisturizers.
If your eczema persists despite these conservative measures, we may get more aggressive with light therapy, a technique in which we deliver ultraviolet-B light into your skin to reduce itchiness, control inflammation, and fight off bacteria.
We also offer biologic medications that are designed to prevent your immune system from attacking the cells in your body, which may prevent a flare-up from developing in the first place.
At-home management is key
While we can certainly do our part to manage your eczema, your at-home management of your skin condition is equally as important. Eczema flare ups are often triggered by a circumstance or substance and understanding what those are is a big step in the right direction.
For example, many of our clients cite irritants as common sources of flare-ups, including:
- Laundry detergents and household cleansers
- Certain fabrics, such as wool or polyester
- Metals
- Environmental toxins, such as cigarette smoke
- Formaldehyde
- Antibacterials
- Sweat
If we keep track of your flare-ups and identify what may be setting them off, we can put a trigger avoidance plan in place that will go a long way toward prevention.
As well, stress plays a significant role in eczema flare-ups, so we typically recommend putting stress-management techniques into practice, such as mediation and deep-breathing exercises (we can provide you with a list of great techniques).
Outside of managing your triggers, you should do all you can to ensure that your skin is clean and moisturized at all times.
Rest assured, we’re here to help you design an at-home management plan that has the best chances of keeping your eczema at bay.
If you want a knowledgeable and experienced eczema team in your corner, contact our office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to set up a consultation.