What is the treatment of eczema?
Treatment of eczema is to prevent itching, inflammation, and worsening of the condition. It consists of avoiding precipitating factors, hydrating the skin, preventing scratching of skin and drugs that control the atopic dermatitis.

Treatment of eczema consists of drugs that control itching and steroid creams. Antihistamines are commonly used if the itching is severe and even at night. Steroid creams should be used sparingly and in low concentration.

In case of severe eczema where steroids are not working, other drugs that are used are Pimecrolimus and coal tar (Tar shampoo can be used for scalp involvement). Children who receive pimecrolimus are predisposed to sun induced damage so adequate sun protection and sunscreen should be used. Phototherapy with ultraviolet B (UVB) can be used for severe resistant cases.

How is the diagnosis of eczema made?
Your doctor usually makes the diagnosis of eczema clinically. However sometimes the doctor may do a skin biopsy to rule out other skin conditions.