Many forms of Eczema treatments exist to help combat the inflammation, itching, and discharges associated with the very uncomfortable and disheartening condition. These treatments are designed to reduce inflammation, moisturize the skin, and assist the immune system to ward of skin Cancer, which is a possible result of severe or untreated Eczema. Eczema treatment comes in many forms: moisturizers, itch-relief medication, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, antibiotics, light therapy, diet monitoring, and gene therapy. Each of these Eczema treatments is specialized in that each targets a particular symptom or aspect of the condition. None serves as permanent remedy, but most provide some relief. Forms of Eczema Treatment: Eczema Treatments: Moisturizers Moisturizers can promote and help the skin retain its natural moisture (i.e. prevent the skin from drying out), which is necessary to reduce the symptoms of Eczema. Moisturizers are the single most important and effective health-care Eczema treatment in existence. Emollients (moisturizing agents) come in creams and ointments. Each one has a different effect over the skin. Both must be applied on dry (non-wet) skin. Soap is effective, too, but conditionally. Creams—these are absorbed into the skin rather quickly and are subject to continuous re-applications. That’s not to say they don’t work, only that ongoing use will reinforce their effect. Ointments—since they are low on water content, ointments remain on or at the surface of the skin for a longer duration of time, so only periodic applications are necessary. Using only a little ointment from time to time will also cut down on a sticky mess. Soap—bathing in warm, not hot, water; do not use sponges, washcloths, or loofahs; soap at the very end of the bath; use fragrant-less moisturizer before drying off; do not rub skin dry; and use soap sparingly. Eczema Treatment: Itch Relief Antihistimines—reduces itching during an Eczema flare-up. Capsaicin—counteracts the itching by mitigating the body’s itch signals. Other agents, especially those containing menthol, effectively do that as well. Naloxone Hydrochloride and Debucaine are two preferences. Eczema Treatments: Corticosteroids This Eczema treatment combats dermatitis and other similar skins conditions. Corticosteroids come in creams and ointments. Effects of Corticosteroids are dependent on usage: Atrophy--Prolonged application causes the skin to become thin and fragile. This condition might allow Eczema to grow more severe. Osteoporosis (Bone Demineralization)—high-strength steroids applied excessively will likely be absorbed into the body and eventually cause bones to weaken. Skin Infections (Fungal or Viral)—as immunosuppressive agents, Corticosteroids can allow or cause certain skin infections. In the end, Corticosteroids should be used sparingly and only temporarily; after symptoms have disappeared, the use of this Eczema treatment should cease immediately. Eczema Treatments: Immunomodulators Immunomodulators as an Eczema treatment is risky. It is believed that inflammatory conditions like Eczema have a link with Cancer, and that suppressing the immune system will reduce the likelihood of Eczema. The problem with this is that suppressing the immune system will increase the likelihood of Cancer developing. Therefore, this Eczema treatment is questionable and should be used as a final alternative. Eczema Treatments: Antibiotics Antibiotics as an Eczema treatment will fight off infections, should this happen through scratching or breaking dry skin. If scratching is inevitable, antibiotics should be considered immediately and continuously used to reduce the chance of infection. Eczema Treatments: Light Therapy Light therapy as a form of Eczema treatment, using ultraviolet light on PUVA, UVB, and/or Narrow Band UVB is effective in combating the symptoms of Eczema. Photo-ChemoTherapy: the combine efforts of light therapy and a drug called Psoralen to combat the symptoms of Eczema. This Eczema treatment should only be employed if light therapy alone does not work. Eczema Treatments: Diet Monitoring Diet Monitoring as a form of Eczema treatment is effective by removing potential allergen foods, such as cow milk and foods having a high number of preservatives, like processed meats and “fizzy’ drinks, from one’s eating pattern. In this alternative, the Eczema treatment can be summed up to discipline. Eczema Treatments: Gene Therapy Considering that Eczema has no known cure and that such conditions are usually related to family history and hereditary, Gene Therapy might serve as an effective Eczema treatment. Eczema treatments are plenty, but the right move to make depends on one’s individual circumstances, as each person’s family and biological make up are different. Furthermore, each treatment has its drawbacks as well as its advantages; no treatment is perfect. Eczema treatments, then, should be considered very carefully before being used.