This article will discuss research on an eczema cures and eczema treatments that can help manage symptoms.
Can You Permanently Cure Eczema?
There is no eczema cure, although researchers are working to discover one. For many people, eczema is a lifelong condition, with periods of remission and times of more intense symptoms. Although many people will outgrow symptoms, there are ways to reliably treat eczema.
First-Line Treatment Options
The most common treatments for eczema include daily moisturizing and drugs that are applied directly to the skin. Many people find that a combination of home therapies and drugs helps keep their eczema symptoms at bay.
The home remedies that can help with eczema include:
Daily moisturizing Learning about and avoiding things that trigger eczema Avoiding harsh soaps and using cleansers that are safe for eczema Using skin-care products designed for eczema.
In addition, many people use over-the-counter therapies, like hydrocortisone cream, and prescription medications like steroids that are taken by mouth or applied directly to the skin.
Other Treatments
If first-line treatments don’t give you relief from eczema symptoms, you may be able to try procedures designed to reduce itching, inflammation, and other symptoms.
Skin irritants ranging from wool clothing to perfumed lotions or cleansersSkin products or soaps with harsh chemicalsEnvironmental allergens like pollen or danderExtreme temperatures, especially coldFoods including dairy, eggs, soy, and peanuts
These include:
Phototherapy (also known as light therapy) Laser treatment (a specific type of light therapy) Immunotherapy (including allergy shots)
In Children
The treatment for eczema in children often focuses on keeping the skin moisturized and avoiding triggers. Wet wraps are an effective treatment. Wet gauze in warm water until damp, and wrap the affected area. Then, wrap them with dry gauze and put on dry nighttime clothing and leave it overnight. You can also give them bleach baths by mixing half a cup of bleach in 40 gallons of water.
In severe cases, your healthcare provider might recommend steroids or other prescription treatments for your child.
While there’s not eczema cure for kids with the condition, about 80% of children with eczema see their symptoms improve as they get older.
Alternative Therapies to Integrate Into Your Routine
Many people with eczema find the condition difficult to control. That can leave them searching for alternative therapies. Research shows that a few alternative or complementary therapies may help relieve eczema symptoms. These include:
Moisturizing with coconut oil Taking vitamin D supplements Taking probiotics Mind-body practices Apple cider vinegar
Advancements in Eczema Research
There are many eczema causes that play a role in the symptoms of eczema. That’s made it a complicated condition to research. However, healthcare providers and researchers are understanding more about eczema, and are optimistic about finding new, more effective treatments.
Just this year, the Food and Drug Administration has approved three new prescription treatments for eczema:
Dupixent (Dupilumab) CIBINQO (Abrocitinib) RINVOQ (Upadacitinib)
Eventually, it’s possible that an eczema cure will exist. In the meantime, healthcare providers are developing treatments that are more powerful and effective. Although they won’t cure your eczema, they can provide long-lasting relief from symptoms.
Summary
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that currently has no cure. However, there are a myriad of treatments available for eczema, including lifestyle changes like moisturizing often, alternative treatments like taking probiotics, and prescription drugs. Researchers are currently developing new drugs and gaining a better understanding of eczema. One day, that could lead to a cure.
A Word From Verywell
Learning that you have an incurable condition is scary. But incurable doesn’t mean uncontrollable. Finding the best way to treat eczema for you or your child might take some trial and error. However, there are lots of eczema treatments available, and new drugs are constantly being developed. That should give you lots of hope for the future of eczema treatment.
