Eczema Treatment Options

Before reaching for prescription medications, it’s important to recognize and minimize triggers that contribute to flares.

Common Triggers

• Harsh soaps, detergents, and fragrances
• Wool or synthetic fabrics
• Dry air or extreme temperatures
• Heat, sweat, and friction
• Environmental allergens (dust mites, pollen, pet dander)
• Stress or sleep disruption
• Skin infections, especially Staphylococcus aureus

Daily Skin Care Habits

• Moisturize regularly: Apply a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment at least twice daily and immediately after bathing.
• Gentle cleansing: Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and avoid very hot water or long showers.
• “Soak and seal” technique: After a short lukewarm bath, lightly pat skin dry and apply moisturizer while still damp.
• Avoid scratching: Keep nails trimmed and use cool compresses or anti-itch products for relief.
• Wear breathable fabrics: Choose soft cotton over rough or synthetic materials.
• Maintain indoor humidity: Use a humidifier in dry environments.
• Reduce stress: Mindfulness, relaxation, and consistent sleep can help limit flares.

These foundational habits are essential even when prescription therapies are used—they form the basis of long-term eczema control.

Eczema management often requires a combination of treatments. At Vue Dermatology & Laser, we tailor each plan to the individual’s symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.

Topical (On-the-Skin) Therapies

Topical creams and ointments remain the cornerstone of eczema treatment and are used to calm inflammation, reduce itch, and repair the skin barrier.

• Topical corticosteroids: Time-tested anti-inflammatories that reduce redness, swelling, and itching. Potency and duration are carefully selected based on the treatment area and severity.
• Topical non-steroidal options:
  • Calcineurin inhibitors – Tacrolimus (Protopic®) and Pimecrolimus (Elidel®)
  • JAK inhibitors – Ruxolitinib (Opzelura®)
  • PDE4 inhibitors – Crisaborole (Eucrisa®) and Roflumilast (Zoryve®)
  • AhR modulator – Tapinarof (Vtama®)

When used correctly and in conjunction with moisturization, topical therapies can dramatically reduce flare frequency and improve overall skin health.

Phototherapy (Light Therapy)

For moderate cases not controlled with topical treatments, narrowband UVB phototherapy can be highly effective. This controlled light treatment helps reduce inflammation, itching, and bacterial colonization, promoting longer flare-free periods. Treatments are performed in-office several times per week under medical supervision.

Systemic (Oral and Injectable) Therapies

For patients with moderate to severe eczema or those whose skin does not respond adequately to topical care, systemic treatments offer powerful and often life-changing results.

Injectable Biologic Therapies

• Dupilumab (Dupixent®) – The first FDA-approved biologic for atopic dermatitis, it blocks key inflammatory pathways (IL-4 and IL-13) to relieve itch and reduce flares.
• Tralokinumab (Adbry®) and Lebrikizumab (Ebglyss®) – These biologics specifically target IL-13, providing additional treatment options for patients who may respond differently to certain immune pathways. These medications offer long-term disease control with excellent safety profiles.

Oral JAK Inhibitors

Upadacitinib (Rinvoq®) and Abrocitinib (Cibinqo®) – Once-daily oral medications that inhibit Janus kinase (JAK) signaling to quickly reduce inflammation and itching. These treatments can be especially effective in severe or refractory cases and are closely monitored for safety.

• Cyclosporine and Methotrexate – Immunosuppressive medications that can still be useful for short-term control but are now less commonly used as newer targeted options have become available.

With today’s biologic and JAK-inhibitor therapies, most patients can achieve clearer, more comfortable skin and maintain long-term control with fewer side effects than traditional systemic drugs.