Medicines and Products for Eczema

Eczema cannot be cured, but it can be well controlled. Treatment works in steps, from daily moisturising to stronger medicines for flares or severe disease. A doctor should guide anything beyond basic emollients.

Step 1: Emollients (every day)

Fragrance-free moisturisers are the foundation. Use them generously, even when the skin is clear.

Step 2: Topical corticosteroids (for flares)

• Steroid creams or ointments calm inflammation quickly and are safe when used as prescribed. The common fear of "steroid damage" mostly comes from misuse of strong products for long periods.
• Use the strength and amount your doctor prescribes, usually once a day for a short burst, then reduce.
• Do not use strong chemist creams, leftover tubes or "fairness" and combination creams on the face, folds, genitals or children without advice.
• Do not stop a strong steroid suddenly after long use without advice.

Step 3: Other medicines

• Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) are steroid-free creams for face and folds.
• Antihistamine syrups can help sleep but do little for itch itself.
• Antibiotics only when there is skin infection.
• Wet wraps under medical guidance for severe flares.

Step 4: For moderate to severe disease

A dermatologist may offer light therapy, tablets such as methotrexate or ciclosporin, or newer treatments such as dupilumab injections and JAK inhibitors.