Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a fairly common ailment that produces red, dry, itchy skin and rashes. It is more common in infants and young children, but it can persist into adulthood. There is no cure, so treatment usually focuses on alleviating symptoms during flare-ups and avoiding triggers that tend to cause flare-ups. One of the most common ways to treat uncomfortable episodes of eczema is by using eczema ointment. The most commonly used types of ointment include eczema cream to moisturize and lubricate the skin, analgesic ointment to reduce itching and discomfort and medicinal ointment to treat inflammation commonly associated with eczema.
Different types of ointment can be used by someone with eczema, depending on the specific symptoms and upon what the individual finds works best or what a doctor has recommended. In many cases, those suffering from eczema make use of several types of creams or ointments depending on how bad the flare-up is and what the symptoms are. Some even make use of homemade ointment and eczema remedies to alleviate symptoms and reduce the frequency of symptoms.
One common form of eczema ointment is a steroid cream. This ointment usually is prescribed by a doctor, though low-strength steroid creams are available over the counter. A steroid cream, used as an eczema ointment, helps reduce inflammation in affected areas and helps reduce itching. Another commonly used treatment is a moisturizer, as well as eczema ointment that helps the skin retain moisture. Most eczema sufferers use steroid-based eczema ointment on a fairly regular basis when they have itchy, inflamed areas on their skin, and they also use a moisturizer or hydrating cream each day.
With the wide variety of eczema ointment available, it is best to consult a physician for recommendations on what might be best for treating an individual case. Some experimentation with both prescription eczema ointment and over-the-counter remedies might be necessary to find the best possible treatment approach. In severe cases of eczema, prescription eczema ointment or medications might prove to be the only effective approach, but milder cases often respond to over-the-counter eczema gel or eczema lotion used on a regular basis.
Causes of eczema are uncertain, but it seems to occur more often in families where allergies are common. Some eczema sufferers use antihistamines or antihistamine ointment to help control itching and other uncomfortable symptoms, because eczema often is connected to allergies. Anyone who wants to find the best types of eczema ointment for a particular case of eczema should consult with a medical professional.