One of the most common types of eczema is Atopic Dermatitis. Since the term “eczema” is easier to say, most cases are simply lumped under that broad category. Atopic Dermatitis (AD) will come and go throughout a person’s lifetime, usually based on various external factors. It is not contagious and currently there is no known cure. However, there are numerous Atopic Dermatitis treatment options available to ease the discomfort that eczema causes.

Atopic Dermatitis treatment options can be separated into two specific categories.

1.) Those that are designed to prevent flare-ups and increase the length of time between flare-ups.

2.) Those that are designed to quickly relieve the symptoms of eczema (itchiness) and hasten to heal the inflamed area.

One of the primary causes of AD is the lack of essential lipids such as cholesterol, ceramides, and free fatty acids in the skin. Most topical creams work to replace those lipids and heal the skin. Applying this regularly can also help reduce and prevent flare-ups as well. This can also help reduce one’s need for stronger, prescribed topical corticosteroids.

These lipid-rich creams and emollients are also called barrier-repair products. They have just been recently approved by the FDA. Keeping the skin constantly moisturized with an emollient is called reactive treatment.

Another treatment method for eczema and AD is proactive treatment. This usually involves medication to prevent flare-ups. Often this is relegated to more severe cases of eczema. Most of this type of medication is not advised for continuous use, but for short-term intermittent use. Along this same line is sequential therapy that involves taking prescribed medications in a particular sequence of offer atopic dermatitis treatment. Once the skin clears up, then the patient goes back to using a daily emollient.

Since all this medication listed can be rather costly, let’s examine some possible home remedies for eczema. These may not work for all cases, but it can’t hurt to try and it may just bring you or your child some relief.

Since AD is often caused by dry skin, always keep the skin moisturized, especially after bathing. Use approved soaps and detergents that will not irritate the skin. Avoid scratchy fabrics like wool or flannel. Cotton or silky fabrics are soothing to the skin. It is especially important to keep the body cool. Overheating irritates the skin and this can create sleep loss during the night. Wear light pajamas and avoid heavy blankets.

Another common cause of outbreaks is stress. Now, obviously we can’t completely remove stress from our lives (wouldn’t that be nice?!), but we can do our best to reduce the amount of stress we have to live with.

If you are currently dealing with a painful outbreak, one home remedy for eczema involves placing cool compresses on the infected area. Taking a cool or tepid bath can also relieve the itching.

The main thing to remember when dealing with AD or eczema is to avoid overheating your body and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Atopic Dermatitis treatments can be quite varied depending on the severity of the outbreak, but don’t forget there are plenty of simple home remedies for eczema that can also be equally effective.

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