How To Treat Eczema (Dermatologist Explains)

Summary

In this informative video, Dr. Osama Hamdy, a dermatologist known as the 'Real Skin Doctor,' discusses various treatment options for eczema, a common skin condition affecting millions worldwide. He outlines lifestyle interventions like moisturizers, humidifiers, and bleach baths to manage symptoms. Prescription treatments include topical steroid creams and non-steroidal options like tacrolimus and Eucrisa. For severe cases, phototherapy and new biologic medications like Dupilumab are explored. The video also mentions experimental JAK inhibitors for resistant cases, emphasizing the ongoing need for treatment due to eczema's chronic nature.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Eczema is a widespread skin condition affecting millions, causing itchiness, discomfort, and impacting sleep and quality of life.
• 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Osama, a dermatologist, offers evidence-based advice on eczema treatment options, including new life-changing methods.
• 🧴 Lifestyle interventions include using moisturizers like CeraVe or La Roche-Posay to reinforce the skin's barrier function.
• 💧 Humidifiers are recommended to reduce water loss from the skin, especially during winter months.
• 🚿 Reducing shower frequency and temperature can help retain skin moisture and reduce dryness.
• 🛁 Bleach baths can help control bacterial overgrowth on the skin, which contributes to eczema inflammation.
• 💊 Prescription treatments include topical steroid creams that are anti-inflammatory and can be used safely for up to two weeks.
• 🌿 Non-steroid creams like tacrolimus ointment and Eucrisa are safe for prolonged use and can be applied to sensitive areas.
• 🌞 Phototherapy involves exposure to specific light that reduces immune cells causing itchiness, and is covered by most insurances.
• 💉 Dupilumab is a biologic injection targeting a key immune driver of eczema, providing significant relief with regular use.
• 💊 JAK inhibitors are oral medications for resistant cases, offering potential but with more immune system impact.

Q & A

What is eczema?

Eczema is a common skin condition where the skin's barrier function is compromised, leading to dryness, itchiness, and irritation.

How does moisturizing help with eczema?

Moisturizing reinforces the skin barrier, reducing water loss and providing relief from dryness and itchiness associated with eczema.

Why is using a humidifier recommended for eczema patients?

A humidifier increases the water concentration in the air, reducing the gradient for water loss from the skin, which is beneficial for eczema-prone skin.

What is the significance of taking less frequent and less hot showers for eczema sufferers?

Less frequent and cooler showers help to minimize skin dehydration that can occur after showering, which can exacerbate eczema symptoms.

Can you explain the concept of bleach baths for eczema treatment?

Bleach baths involve using a small amount of bleach in a full bath to reduce bacterial overgrowth on the skin, which can contribute to inflammation in eczema.

What role do topical steroid creams play in eczema treatment?

Topical steroid creams are anti-inflammatory and are used to manage severe eczema symptoms. They are effective but should be used under medical supervision and with caution.

Why is it important to take breaks from using topical steroids?

Taking breaks from topical steroids is important to prevent potential side effects on the skin and to allow the skin to recover.

What are some non-steroid topical cream options for eczema?

Non-steroid topical creams such as tacrolimus ointment and Eucrisa ointment are safe for prolonged use and can be used on sensitive areas like the face.

How does phototherapy work for eczema treatment?

Phototherapy uses a specific type of light, most commonly narrow band UVB, to reduce the number of immune cells causing itchiness in eczema, leading to remission.

What is Dupilumab and how does it treat eczema?

Dupilumab is a biologic medication that targets a specific part of the immune system involved in eczema, reducing inflammation. It is administered through self-injections every two weeks.

What are JAK inhibitors and how do they relate to eczema treatment?

JAK inhibitors are a class of oral medications being experimented with for eczema treatment. They have a more significant effect on the immune system than Dupilumab but are considered less safe.