It can be frustrating to be diagnosed with eczema, especially if you are aware that it is something that is difficult to treat. Eczema does come and go, and come back again when triggered. But, the good news is that more and more ways of treating eczema are being developed and used.
When your doctor informs you that you have eczema, they will probably let you know as well what type of eczema you have since there are different forms. They may give you an outline of the level of severity of eczema you have, prescribe appropriate medications, and tell you how things will likely progress. Usually, your doctor will want to understand your medical history to date so as to avoid recommending anything that may leave an adverse reaction.
The main characteristics of eczema are inflammation, itchiness, possible infection, and scaly lesions. Medication will be aimed at reducing the frequency and impact of these symptoms. It is unlikely that one form of medication alone will sort out your skin problem, and it is quite standard for the doctor to advise more than one medication to deal with these different indicators.
Do not be concerned if you do not see any significant improvements right away. There is no miracle cure for eczema. Just allow the medication to do its job – the more severe the symptoms, the longer it is expected to heal.
Importance of an Eczema Diary
Another possible cause of eczema is lifestyle factors that bring about allergic reactions in your body. An eczema diary can help you identify if there is something that often brings on spells of irritation. It can be a particular soap or other cosmetics that may be causing the problem; or possibly an item of clothing, or even a pet.
The food and drinks you consume should also be noted in your diary. The doctor would recommend that you diligently accomplish this diary in 4 to 8 weeks. Your eczema diary would be very helpful in recognizing the triggers for you to avoid.
The method of treatment you will require will depend upon several factors. This, of course, will incorporate the form of eczema you have, and your medical background. There are three essential forms of treatment: topical medications including creams and lotions, oral/systemic medicines, and phototherapy.
Lately, the handling of eczema has moved a long way ahead of where it was, and there are now more choices for the patient. There is a growing range of over-the-counter treatments for most types of eczema, and, commonly, the disorder can be controlled very well. Nevertheless, it is worth repeating that eczema is a skin ailment that takes time to heal.
The treatment of eczema may occasionally be prolonged, and if you don’t feel that you are making progress, you should ask your doctor to check if what you are using is the right one for you. It is also significant to remember that stress has been shown to be one of the factors contributing to eczema, so you should be careful to avoid stressful situations.
Your diary would give you and your doctor great help in finding out what’s causing your eczema. Whether it is a problem with your diet, surroundings, or demanding lifestyle, the diary will be able to identify the things you need to keep away from. Eventually, this makes treatment easier, and in no time, you can be living an eczema-free life.