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Eczema Treatment

If you or your child has eczema, you’re not alone. Eczema is a group of common skin conditions that cause redness, itching, dryness, and irritation. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The word “eczema” is often used interchangeably with atopic dermatitis. In eczema, the skin barrier (the outermost layer of skin) becomes weakened or damaged, making it less effective at retaining moisture and more vulnerable to irritants, allergens, and infections.

While there is no permanent cure for eczema, there are many effective treatments that can help manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and improve your quality of life. Treatment options include topical treatments, medications, and light therapy.

Moisturizers are one of the most important parts of eczema treatment. Using a moisturizer regularly helps protect the skin barrier and keeps it hydrated.

If moisturizers alone aren’t enough, Dr. Newsome may recommend prescription creams or ointments to control inflammation and reduce itching. These are used during flare-ups to calm the skin and prevent symptoms from getting worse.

Topical corticosteroids are the most prescribed treatments. For people who cannot use steroids or need a non-steroid option, topical calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus (Protopic®) or pimecrolimus (Elidel®) may be prescribed. These work by calming the immune response in the skin. They are often used on delicate areas like the eyelids or around the mouth and do not cause skin thinning.

Other non-steroidal options include crisaborole (Eucrisa®), ruxolitinib (Opzelura®), tapinarof (Vtama®) They are approved for children and adults.

Itching is one of the most frustrating symptoms of eczema. Scratching can damage the skin, increase the risk of infection and make symptoms worse, so finding ways to control the itch is important. Antihistamines may help reduce itching—especially if eczema is interfering with sleep. Other itch-relief strategies include applying cool compresses, using anti-itch lotions like calamine, or taking short, lukewarm baths with baking soda or colloidal oatmeal.

For many people with eczema, flare-ups are triggered by specific factors. These might include allergens (like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander), harsh soaps or detergents, stress, changes in temperature, or even certain foods. Identifying and avoiding triggers is an important part of managing eczema.

Switching to gentle, fragrance-free skin care products can make a big difference. Avoiding long, hot showers and instead taking short, lukewarm baths helps prevent drying out the skin. Wearing soft, breathable clothing made of cotton (rather than wool or synthetic fabrics) can reduce skin irritation.

Stress is also a known trigger for eczema. Managing stress through exercise, relaxation techniques, or counseling can help reduce flare-ups in some people.

For people with more severe eczema or during intense flare-ups, wet wrap therapy may be recommended. This involves applying a layer of moisturizer or medicated cream, then covering the skin with a layer of damp cloth or bandage, followed by a dry layer on top. The moisture helps the skin absorb the treatment more effectively and soothes inflammation. This method is often used on children or in hospital settings, but some families learn to do it safely at home under medical guidance.

When topical treatments are not enough, Dr. Newsome may recommend phototherapy. This involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light in a medical setting. UVB light is the most commonly used type and can help reduce inflammation and itching.
Phototherapy is usually done several times per week in a clinic. While it can be very effective, it does require a time commitment and is usually considered after other treatments haven’t worked well.

For people with moderate to severe eczema who don’t respond to other treatments, systemic medications may be necessary. These are drugs that affect the whole body and are usually prescribed by a dermatologist or allergist.

One option is oral corticosteroids (like prednisone), which can quickly reduce inflammation. However, these are only used short-term due to the risk of serious side effects.

Newer long term oral treatments include the Janus kinase inhibitors, upadacitinib (Rinvoq®) and abrocitinib (Cibinqo®), These drug help control the immune system and reduce eczema symptoms but require close medical monitoring. Older immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil are still used but not as frequently.

In recent years, newer biologic medications have become available. Dupilumab (Dupixent)®, an injectable treatment that targets specific parts of the immune system involved in eczema. Dupilumab is approved for adults and children over six months old and has shown promising results for people with severe eczema. Other biologic medications include tralokinumab (Adbry®), lebrikizumab (Ebglyss®), and nemolizumab (Nemluvio®).

Managing eczema involves more than just treating symptoms—it requires a daily commitment to caring for your skin and avoiding triggers. While it may take some time to find the right combination of treatments, most people with eczema can find relief with the right care plan.

If you or your child are struggling with eczema, schedule a consultation with Dr. Austin Newsome, a board-certified, medical and cosmetic dermatologist in North Carolina. When you need help dealing with concerns about itchy and irritated skin or rashes, she will help you find patient-centered solutions. Her office is in Rolesville, NC and she serves patients from Greensboro to Raleigh and beyond. With professional guidance and a customized approach, you can take control of eczema, restore comfort to your skin and improve your quality of life.

Austin Newsome, MD Dermatologist is a Castle Connelly Top Doctor. ​Castle Connolly is a trusted resource for patients seeking high-quality medical care. Physicians can’t pay to be a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. Honors are given by providing the best possible patient care and earning the respect of their associates.

At a Glance

Dr. Austin Newsome

  • Board-certified dermatologist with over eight years of experience
  • Builds trusted relationships with patients to support personalized skincare
  • Offers general, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology
  • Learn more
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