Other treatments

Although eczema cannot be cured, there are a number of things which can be done to help manage and control it. The aims of eczema treatment should be to heal or clear the skin, keep it in good condition and manage the symptoms of an attack or ‘flare-up’ when they appear.

Ultraviolet light

Some people with moderate to severe eczema benefit from, ultraviolet light treatment (UV), which is usually given in a specialist hospital unit supervised by a Dermatologist. UV light can be less effective with thickened skin.

By carefully exposing patients to certain wavelengths of light for specified amounts of time, the exaggerated immune response that causes eczema inflammation can be prevented.

A series of treatments is usually needed and may necessitate the patient attending the clinic between two and three times per week for up to six months.

UV light is a contributing cause of skin cancer and premature ageing of the skin and may not be suitable for some patients, especially if their condition is exacerbated by sunlight.

Complementary medicines

A variety of complementary medicines, including evening primrose oil supplements, borage oil, homeopathy and Chinese herbal medicines, have been employed with varying degrees of success in the treatment of atopic eczema.

However, there is little clear evidence of the effectiveness of some of these options and the safety of others. Certain herbal preparations can be harmful if used in combination with prescription medicines.