Treating Eczema

What you need to know about eczema treatment options and managing conventional therapies.

In the past 40 years, a number of treatments have gone a long way to managing the terrible discomfort of eczema. Some treatments appear to target the origin of eczema rather than treating the symptoms once they have already started.

Although there is still no cure for eczema and no one treatment has safely or effectively worked for everyone, every time, there is hope and treatment.

Generally, treatments like topical steroids and antihistamines work to relieve the symptoms of eczema once they have already appeared. Relatively new treatments called Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors are available in Canada that some dermatologists consider to be a promising option in eczema therapy. Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors (TCIs) appear to prevent the release of the inflammatory substances that cause the red, itchy skin associated with eczema. This treatment works to calm and control the skin's reaction. In 2010 Health Canada approved one of the available TCIs for maintenance therapy. Talk with your doctor; he or she has the most up to date information about eczema treatments.

To help you manage your treatment and monitor your progress, a Treatment Progress Chart is available for use with your current treatment.

 

  • Eczema

    Eczema

    is referred to as “chronic” because there is no cure and symptoms can reappear or ‘flare up’ at any time

  • Dermatology

    Dermatology

    is the science that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting skin, hair and nails

  • A Dermatologist

    A Dermatologist

    is the medical expert you should consult if you have any significant problems with your skin 
  • Ease Program
    Ease Program
  • For Kids
    For Kids