You have eczema and you want to do something about it. Perhaps you've tried pharmaceuticals or various home and natural treatments. Maybe you've had good results and perhaps your results haven't been so good. Maybe, like a lot of people, you've done some research on treatments available and have been so overwhelmed by the sheer number of remedies available that you don't know where to start. Let's take a brief look at some of the most common adult eczema treatment options, with their upsides and downsides, so that you will be better able to make an informed decision when you search for an eczema treatment.
- Pharmaceuticals
The first thing most people think of when they want relief from their eczema is to visit their doctor. S/he can prescribe antihistamines, or cortisone creams and pills. The upside is that relief is often virtually immediate. The downside is that the body eventually builds a tolerance to these medications so dosages and types of medicines must be changed periodically. Cortisone suppresses the immune system, opening the sufferer up to other infections. It also thins the skin when used for long periods of time. Prescription medication can be expensive.
- Homeopathics
Homeopathic remedies can stimulate the body to overcome symptoms of an illness by exposing the body to a homeopathic dose of the substance that causes the symptom. The upside is once the correct homeopathic remedy is identified, eczema symptoms will moderate or even disappear altogether. The body does not build up a tolerance to homeopathics, so dosages don't have to be changed. There are no adverse physical effects. The downside is that it may take a lot of testing to find the right homeopathic remedy because the remedy must be matched to specific symptoms, not just broadly to "eczema." Once the right homeopathic is identified, relief may not be immediate.
- Diet and Environmental
The symptoms of adult eczema are usually caused by reaction to an allergen. The allergy may be to a food or something in a person's environment such as cleaning products, animal dander, or molds. The upside is, like with homeopathics, once the allergens are identified and removed from a person's diet or environment, eczema symptoms can go into complete remission. Relief can be very quick. The downside is that allergy testing is generally required and this can be expensive. A person may find it difficult to make the diet or lifestyle changes necessary to keep the eczema at bay.
- Skin creams, moisturizers, and proctectants
Lotions, creams, and moisturizers will help keep the dry, itchy skin moist and will replenish lost moisture. This helps relieve the itching and flaking associated with eczema. The upside is that relief is fairly quick. Depending on what types of creams and lotions you buy, they are not terribly expensive. The downside is relief doesn't last very long; the creams and lotions must be reapplied regularly to maintain relief. Creams also only address the symptom, not the cause.
- Home remedies
There are literally hundreds of home remedies for eczema, everything from special soup recipes to oatmeal baths. The upside is, they have been proven over time to work. They are generally quite inexpensive, many items being common household supplies. The downside is that it is such a vast subject that it may take a great deal of time to find a home remedy that works for you. The reason that there are so many remedies is that every person is different, so what works for one person may not work for you.
Armed with this information, knowing the pluses and minuses of each option, you can pick and choose an area or areas that most closely match your needs. You now have a tool to help you relieve or remove completely the symptoms of adult eczema.
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