Eczema is a condition wherein the skin becomes red, dry, bumpy, itchy, and sometimes even blistered. A damaged barrier makes the skin sensitive and prone to dryness and infection. This condition can be caused by stress, genetics, environmental factors, or an overactive immune system. Various types of eczema affect around 31.6 million people in the country. Here are the treatment options, meal plans, lifestyle changes, and tips to remember when it comes to managing eczema:

Treatment options for those with eczema
Atomic dermatitis is a common type of eczema but can be quite a persistent condition if it’s left untreated. Such a skin disorder is also difficult to control if it is caused by family history. Although quite a few treatments for eczema are available, none of the options will help with completely eliminating the symptoms. Consult a dermatologist for the treatment options if a regular healthcare expert cannot help with the eczema symptoms.

Dupixent
Dupilumab, which is sold under the name Dupixent, is a highly effective prescription used to treat allergic diseases such as eczema, asthma, and nasal polyps that lead to chronic sinusitis. This treatment option helps manage and reduce the symptoms of eczema, such as itchiness and the appearance of rashes.

Cibinqo
In 2022, the FDA approved Cibinqo as a treatment for adults with refractory, moderate to severe eczema, or atopic dermatitis. This option is specifically prescribed for people whose symptoms cannot be controlled through other treatments.

Upadacitinib
Moderate to severe cases of eczema in adults and children aged 12 years and above are treated with Upadacitinib. Moreover, when previous treatments have not provided the desired results or other options cannot control their condition, Upadacitinib is prescribed.

Eucrisa
This steroid-free option was the first FDA-approved topical prescription treatment for eczema in over a decade. Eucrisa is used to treat people with mild-to-moderate eczema. But if one is allergic to crisaborole or its ingredients, they need to refrain from taking Eucrisa.

Nutritional recommendations for those with eczema
Modifying meal plans with the addition of the right foods keep the symptoms of eczema at bay. Many of those who have eczema are also diagnosed with food allergies, so excluding such triggers is crucial. Having these anti-inflammatory foods helps relieve eczema symptoms and avoid their development:

Fatty fish
Fatty fish such as salmon and herring help reduce the symptoms because fish oil is loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory.

Probiotic foods
Foods rich in bacteria that promote good gut health can help support a strong immune system and reduce allergic reactions. Examples include yogurt, miso soup, kefir, naturally fermented pickles, and tempeh.

Quercetin-rich foods
This powerful plant-based flavonoid helps reduce histamine levels and inflammation in the body. A few good examples of quercetin-rich foods are spinach, kale, apples, cherries, blueberries, and broccoli.

While adding the abovementioned foods to a meal plan is helpful, one also needs to avoid foods that can trigger eczema symptoms, such as

Dairy products
Eggs
Soy
Gluten

Sugary foods like cakes, sodas, certain coffee drinks, and smoothies can also aggravate the condition.

Tips for eczema management
You can do plenty of things that help alleviate the symptoms of eczema. Here are three easy and useful ways to manage the disease:

Using natural products
The use of natural remedies for eczema helps treat eczema with no side effects. Some of the best natural remedies are aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, colloidal oatmeal or Avena sativa , coconut oil, honey, and tea tree oil.

Keeping the skin moist
Health conditions like eczema are aggravated by dryness in the skin. Most lotions cannot create a barrier that’s thick enough to protect the skin due to the high level of water content in them. Instead of using such products, you’re better off applying petroleum jelly or mineral oil to the skin twice a day.

Avoid drastic temperature changes
Extremely low or high temperatures are usual culprits as far as flareups on the skin are concerned. Even an abrupt change from hot to cold can prove to be quite cumbersome for those with eczema. Always try to keep the home comfortable and use a humidifier to moisten the air, if needed. Skip long and hot showers as the water would dry the skin and worsen the symptoms.

Other than the tips mentioned above, you may find the following ways to prevent and reduce the symptoms of eczema useful:

Use gentle soaps and detergents as laundry products can contain harsh chemicals that may aggravate eczema and its symptoms.
Opt for soft clothes that are gentle and subtle on the skin; wear loose clothes that do not rub against the skin.
Keep your office area or home free of dust and other irritants.
Find ways to destress and get sufficient sleep to stop eczema symptoms from flaring up.

While there is no cure for eczema, people can often manage and relieve the symptoms of this skin disease with home remedies, a balanced meal plan, and using effective treatment options. However, if the condition does not respond well to these home remedies and starts getting severe, consulting a healthcare expert or dermatologist is absolutely necessary.