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Eczema Treatments and Medications

Creator: SingleCare
Published: 06-29-2020

Medically reviewed by Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D.

Licensed Pharmacist

Updated Apr. 25, 2023 • Published Jun. 29, 2020

Fact Checked

Living with and treating dry, itchy skin can be difficult and frustrating to tackle. These symptoms commonly indicate a case of eczema or atopic dermatitis. Understanding what eczema is and how to treat it, both at home and with medications, are great first steps in managing your eczema. Let’s take a look at what eczema is and what can be done to treat it.

What is eczema?

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a condition that causes the skin to be red and itchy. It more commonly first appears in early childhood, but eczema can occur at any age and is a chronic condition. Most eczema sufferers will have flare-ups throughout life and require treatments when they occur. Atopic dermatitis is more common in families with a history of the condition and often appears on the arms or behind the knees. There is no cure for eczema at this time, but there are many eczema treatment options available.

How is eczema diagnosed?

Atopic dermatitis is commonly self-diagnosed because it is easy to see and feel when it occurs. However, it can be important and incredibly helpful to receive an official diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Getting an official diagnosis will also open up opportunities for prescription-strength treatments and, more often than not, a quicker recovery.

While there isn’t an exact cause for eczema, there are some indicators of what may cause a flare-up. Eczema is believed to be due to genetics, among other factors, which causes the body’s immune system to overreact in response to certain substances. Many patients experience flare-ups that may be linked to allergens in food or the environment, such as dander and dust.

When these situations occur, the most common symptom is red, itchy skin. Itching can also occur in the area impacted by eczema before the rash even appears, indicating that a flare-up is about to occur. The rash itself will commonly appear on the backs of the knees, face, hands, feet, and wrists. Dyshidrotic eczema (or dyshidrosis) may also result in oozing blisters on the hands or feet.

Due to the ease of identification, eczema can be diagnosed by a variety of doctors and specialists. If you suspect that you or your child may have this skin condition, you will want to make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician or your primary care provider.

During the appointment, the doctor will look at the rash itself as well as assess other eczema symptoms that might be present. It’s also likely you’ll be asked about family history with eczema or other conditions that pertain to immune system overactivity.

Eczema is commonly associated with allergies as well, so it is likely your doctor will perform an allergy test at the appointment or refer you to a dermatologist for further allergy and skin testing. It is possible that your healthcare professional will try other patch tests to rule out other skin diseases or conditions. There is not, however, an official test for eczema that will be performed.

Eczema treatment options

Receiving a diagnosis for eczema is a great first step to getting better and understanding your next steps. There is no cure for eczema that exists at this time, which means treating symptoms or preventing flare-ups are the best ways to combat the condition. Treating the itchiness and inflammation can also be important for preventing skin infections. This can be done in a variety of methods using many different products or practices.

Treatment of eczema will vary depending on the patient's needs, age, and severity of eczema when it occurs. Medications such as steroid cream, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and immunosuppressives are all possible treatment options. Wet wraps, phototherapy with ultraviolet light, and prevention methods like stress relief have all been used to both treat and prevent eczema. Infants experiencing eczema should be treated in a more preventative way as the use of more extreme medications may cause issues for them.

Eczema medications

One of the biggest concerns with eczema is the risk of skin infection caused by itching the rash excessively. Because of this, most of the medications for eczema treatment are focused on relieving the symptoms and eliminating the rash entirely.

Hydrocortisone

A commonly used medication to treat eczema is hydrocortisone topical treatments. Eczema creams, ointments, tape, gels, or lotions containing hydrocortisone are often prescribed or recommended for purchase as over-the-counter options. This is a more mild treatment option and typically isn’t recommended for use over a long period of time.

The use of these topical steroids can reduce or eliminate inflammation, redness, and itching. Some side effects to look out for with hydrocortisone treatments include burning, dry or cracking skin, and discoloration of the skin. A few common brands of hydrocortisone creams include Skinfix, Cortizone-10, and TriCalm which are available over the counter.

Calcineurin inhibitors

Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) are a treatment applied thinly on the affected area. This treatment works by suppressing the overactivity of the immune system. The suppression is done by acting on T-Cells to dampen the immune system and, as a result, reduce or eliminate inflammation of the skin.

There are two commonly used prescription TCIs which are Protopic (tacrolimus) and Elidel (pimecrolimus). Sometimes a doctor will start patients on a prescription of tacrolimus but will switch to pimecrolimus after six weeks if there is not an improvement. As with many topical treatments for eczema, TCIs can sometimes cause burning, pain, or discoloration to the application site.

Immunosuppressive

In some moderate or severe cases of eczema immune system suppressing drugs will be prescribed as a treatment. Due to their more serious side effects, these medications are typically used after many other treatments have been attempted and failed for severe atopic dermatitis. These immunosuppressants can be in the form of oral medication or injection and are prescribed by your doctor.

Some of the more commonly used medications in this category include mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine. These medications work by suppressing the immune system so that it will not cause overactivity, but they do come with some severe side effects. Those side effects include kidney issues and high blood pressure.

Antihistamines

Eczema can cause severe itching that can result in trouble sleeping for some individuals. In some cases, a sedating oral antihistamine like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Vistaril (hydroxyzine) may be used short term. However, they are not generally recommended for long-term use and should not replace topical treatments. Topical antihistamines are not recommended due to insufficient evidence for their use and the risk of allergic reactions.

NSAID ointment

More recently a newer ointment has become available for mild to moderate eczema that does not involve the use of steroids. This is a prescription ointment that is applied twice daily when inflammation occurs, the medicated ointment will then provide relief of inflammation. Many users of this medication have reported that it helped their skin return to a more normal appearance as well. Currently, the option for this prescription medication is the brand Eucrisa, which does report a side effect of application site pain for some users.

What is the best medication for eczema?

Finding the best medication or treatment option for atopic dermatitis can be tricky. Patients may need to try a few different methods depending on their condition, severity, and frequency of flare-ups. As with all medications, your best fit will depend on other medications you use, allergies, and how your body reacts to different medication types. Please consult a healthcare professional when selecting a medication for your eczema.

Best medications for eczema
Drug Name	Drug Class	OTC/Rx	Administration Route	Standard Dosage	How It Works	Most Common Side Effects
Hydrocortisone	Corticosteroid	OTC	Topical	Apply a thin layer as directed to the affected area	Blocks chemicals that cause inflammation and reduces swelling and redness on the skin	Burning, peeling, thinning of the skin, headache
Protopic (tacrolimus)	Calcineurin inhibitor	Rx	Topical	Apply a thin layer of 30 gm of 0.1% to the affected area twice a day	Weakens the skin’s immune system and decreases or eliminates the allergic reaction of eczema.	Burning, headache, flu-like symptoms
Elidel (pimecrolimus)	Calcineurin inhibitor	Rx	Topical	Apply a thin layer of 30 gm of 1% to the affected area twice a day	Suppresses the skin’s immune system and reduces the allergic reaction associated with eczema.	Burning, application site irritation, headache
Eucrisa (crisaborole)	Nonsteroidal	Rx	Topical	Apply a thin layer of 60 gm of 2% to the affected area twice a day	Reduces inflammation, itchiness, and red discoloration of the area where it is applied.	Burning or stinging at the application site
CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil)	Immunosuppressant	Rx	Oral	250 mg capsule twice a day on an empty stomach	Suppresses the immune system, which helps immune system overactivity that causes eczema.	Constipation, loss of appetite, gas
Sandimmune (cyclosporine)	Calcineurin inhibitor	Rx	Oral, injection	25 mg capsule once a day	Weakens the immune system, which reduces overactivity that causes eczema.	Headache, dizziness, unusual hair growth
Vistaril (hydroxyzine)	Antihistamine	Rx	Oral	25 mg capsule 3-4 times a day	Blocks histamines that cause allergic reactions and can treat itchiness associated with allergies.	Drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth
Benadryl (diphenhydramine)	Antihistamine	OTC	Oral, topical	25 mg capsule	Blocks histamines within the body, which cause allergic reactions and has sedative effects for sleep.	Drowsiness, upset stomach, dry mouth

Only a doctor can determine the right dosage for you based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight.

This is not a complete list of side effects.

What are common side effects of eczema medication?

Side effects will vary between medication types and drug classes. However, there are a few side effects that are more common among many popular eczema medications. The following is not a complete list but does include the more common side effects you can anticipate:

Application site burning
Application site pain
Skin discoloration
Stomach pain
Headaches
Dizziness

What is the best natural cure for eczema?

In addition to medication, you might be interested in natural treatments for atopic dermatitis. To start, try to identify anything that triggers an allergic reaction or reaction that leads to eczema flare-ups. After identifying these triggers you can avoid them to try and prevent eczema from flaring up in the first place.

After identifying allergies or triggers, you may want to use moisturizer, avoid irritants by using fragrance-free skincare products and cleansers or laundry detergents, and work on stress management techniques. If a flare-up of eczema does occur then here are a few ways you might try to treat it naturally:

Coconut oil. Applying coconut oil topically has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and antimicrobial properties while hydrating the skin. Cold-pressed or virgin coconut oil may be applied to damp skin, although effects will depend on the individual.
Aloe vera gel. Aloe vera has been shown to be antimicrobial, antibacterial, wound-healing, and soothing on the skin. This makes it a popular choice for natural eczema treatment.
Colloidal oatmeal. This is a specific type of oatmeal that has been made of finely ground oats. It has been shown to soften and calm irritated skin. After adding it to warm bath water, bathe for 15-20 minutes then pat dry when getting out of the bath. Apply a moisturizer after drying off to prevent the skin from getting too dry.
Honey. Using honey to heal wounds has been popular for centuries. It has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Some have reported that applying it directly to eczema can prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and allow for faster healing.
Apple cider vinegar. While there is no concrete evidence for the use of ACV, it has been reported to have natural health properties. Adding a small amount (2 cups) to a warm bath and soaking for 15-20 minutes may help fight bacteria and balance the acidity of the skin.
Humidifier. Dry air won’t help dry skin. Although there isn’t any scientific evidence to prove humidifiers help eczema, the National Institute of Health recommends using a humidifier at home, especially in the winter.

Remember to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before using any natural treatments.

Frequently asked questions about eczema

What can kill eczema?

Because there isn’t a cure for eczema, nothing can technically “kill” it. However, there are ways to kill the bacteria that can grow on eczema and cause infections. While over-the-counter medications or at-home remedies may have antimicrobial properties, prescription antibiotics are often used to get rid of any infections associated with eczema.

What gets rid of eczema fast?

Eczema is typically caused by an overactivity of the immune system, which means it can last for various amounts of time. Most of the medications available or at-home remedies will work quicker than not treating eczema at all. However, there is not an instant or guaranteed overnight relief. Many eczema sufferers have had success with moisturizing and oatmeal baths for quicker relief.

How do you treat severe eczema?

If you are experiencing symptoms of severe eczema, you should seek out medical assistance. There are a variety of medications, such as topical steroids, that can be used to treat eczema flare-ups and many will help with severe cases. However, any level of eczema can be treated with many different options regardless of severity.

What is the latest treatment for eczema?

In recent years, a new drug has received FDA approval and is being used by patients. The injection treatment Dupixent (dupilumab) is a monoclonal antibody that works by blocking certain proteins that ultimately cause inflammation. While it is a newer treatment, patients in clinical trials found success with the new drug class as an alternative to topical corticosteroids and other drugs.

What is the best cream for eczema?

There are a few creams available for eczema both as prescriptions and over-the-counter. Always consult your doctor before starting and switching eczema creams or when looking for the appropriate cream treatment for you. A few of the creams available for eczema include:

Eucrisa (crisaborole)
Skinfix
Cortisone 10
TriCalm
Elidel (crisaborole)
Protopic (tacrolimus)

Is Vaseline good for eczema?

Vaseline can be used to help treat eczema but it isn't appropriate as a singular treatment. Petrolatum in Vaseline helps maintain moisture and combat dry skin while also being suitable for people with sensitive skin. This makes Vaseline appropriate for use in conjunction with other treatments for eczema.

What foods should you avoid if you have eczema?

One thing that can be a big trigger for eczema is food. Because eczema is an immune system reaction, food allergies or sensitivities to certain food groups can cause flare-ups. For the best idea of what foods you should avoid, consult a doctor or allergy specialist. Here are a few foods that many eczema sufferers try to avoid:

Peanuts
Milk
Fish
Soy
Wheat
Eggs
Shellfish

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