Eczema in general

A precise diagnosis is required before selecting the treatment. As this is a challenge particularly with the very heterogeneous eczemas, you should whenever possible always consult a dermatologist with unclear inflammatory changes in the skin and not make any attempts to treat it on your own. Because different treatment approaches are necessary depending on the cause. Almost all forms of eczema are treated similarly with anti-inflammatory drugs in the beginning, If, for instance, an allergy is the underlying cause, contact with the trigger, the so-called allergen must be avoided. For this purpose, the allergen of course first needs to be identified. The dermatologist has various allergy tests at his/her disposal for this.

With acute eczema, treatment is initially done with anti-inflammatories to reduce redness, swelling and weeping of the skin. Creams or lotions are normally used for this with drugs that are derived from natural cortisone produced in the body. They are called corticosteroids or corticoids in short. In very severe cases, corticoids are also prescribed internally (systemically) in the form of tablets. Anti-histamines also help to combat itching and these are also available for both external and internal treatment. Natural tannins (e.g. in black tea) or synthetic tannins (e. g. in Tannosynt) have an anti-inflammatory effect and alleviate itching. They help in particular in the very acute phase to dry out weeping areas of the skin and prevent skin infections.

As eczemas are often chronic, prevention and skin care are also highly important as well as the treatment of the bout. If a contact allergy exists, the trigger, frequently a substance that is handled a lot in day-to-day life or professionally, must be avoided. With a nickel allergy, jewellery containing nickel should no longer be worn. With hand eczemas, cotton-padded protective gloves can be of assistance.

One of the possible causes of eczema bouts is very dry skin with a damaged skin barrier. That is why the aim is to protect and build up the skin barrier with corresponding care. Tips on how to care for and protect your skin can be found here.