Long term eczema care?

I've had eczema appear as a small patch on both arms for as long as I can remember and only appear during the winter months it seems like. Only within the past year has the eczema spread throughout my arms, hands, shoulders, and neck. My internist perscribed Triamcinolon which works great everywhere but my hands. For the hands he prescribed Clobetasol which does work. I've noticed that if I don't use the ointment, the eczema will totally reappear after just one or two days.So I apply the ointments just about every night. My question is, will I be applying ointments for the rest of my life or is there some sort of long term treatment or other medicine that can be had? If I have to apply ointments then so be it, but I would rather not have to every day!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Eczema is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema. Allergic reaction can occur to strong soaps, Solvents, chemicals, certain foods, food additives, plants, metals, cosmetics, even urine and faeces of some animals (dust mites).

Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. In addition to the steroid treatments, use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin. In most cases of eczema no one treatment will be effective. A combination of therapies to treat the skin and making lifestyle changes(prevention of triggers and application of lots of moisturizers) to control flare-ups is helpful in long cases.

I hope it helps.Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[JP2085]

Thank you Doctor. I appreciate the advice! :)