The name ‘Eczema’ is an ambiguous one, as it covers a myriad of skin conditions and inflammations. Dermatitis, hereditary skin diseases, persistant dry skin, even dandruff or cradle cap can, in their acute forms be considered a form of Eczema.

At present the question is not of a cure; no effective cure exists. It can only be treated. So how do we treat Excema?

Eczema is a condition controlled by the immune system, which produces the antibodies needed to fight skin infections. Eczema occurs when antibodies are produced, even though no apparent infection is present therefore they become counterproductive and irritate the skin.

To suppress this over activity, steroids are administered. Ointments such as Corticosteroids are the most commonly used treatments, although Hydrocortisone or desonide steroids are also used in less serious circumstances.  Sufferers who endure persistent eczema, triamcinolone or clobetasone butyrate are administered, and in the worst cases steroidal compounds such as clobetasol propionate or fluocinonide are recommended.

Prolonged use of Corticosteroids, can produce certain side effects, such as a depletion in the skin; or dermis,  so alternatives therefore are immunosuppressant’s and immunomodulator’s, although these have caused much controversy with the Food and Drug Administration warning of increased risks of skin cancer, further skin irritations and adverse reactions to alcohol.

In short, how we treat eczema is dependent on the particular form it takes.  Until scientists finally find a cure for eczema, sufferers will have to endure long-term treatments to help stabilize their immune systems