How to get rid of eczema: causes, treatment, and long-term skin care

Eczema, medically known as dermatitis, is one of the most common chronic skin conditions. It can take many forms, ranging from dry, itchy skin to red, weeping patches that cause long-term discomfort for the patient. Although it is difficult to completely cure chronic types of eczema, proper care, appropriate treatment, and prevention can significantly alleviate symptoms and keep the skin in a calm state. In a fight for the peace of your skin, a dermatologist is your best ally.

Types of eczema and their causes

Eczema is not a single disease, but a set of different skin reactions to internal or external stimuli. Distinguishing the type of eczema is essential for proper treatment. If you are not sure if you have eczema or a short-term rash, you'd better consult with your general practitioner.

Atopic eczema

The most common type, often appearing in childhood. It is a chronic inflammation of the skin associated with genetic predisposition and increased reactivity of the immune system. Typical symptoms include dry skin, itching, and inflammatory lesions in the bends of the arms, knees, neck, or face. Triggers include stress, cold, food, or contact with allergens.

Contact (allergic or irritant) eczema

This occurs after direct contact of the skin with an irritant. For example, nickel, cleaning products, cosmetics, or plants. Even a small amount of allergen can cause inflammation, redness, itching, and flaking of the skin.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Typically affects the scalp, face, or chest. It is associated with an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast and increased sebum production. The skin tends to be oily, scaly, and red.

Microbial and dyshidrotic eczema

Microbial eczema occurs as a reaction to a bacterial skin infection, while dyshidrotic eczema appears on the palms and soles of the feet in the form of blisters and severe itching, often after stress or contact with water.

How to get rid of eczema – treatment and daily care

The treatment of eczema varies depending on its type, causes, and extent. The basis is a combination of medical therapy, lifestyle changes, and long-term skin care.

Soothing acute inflammation

In the event of a flare-up, the following helps:

• Corticosteroid ointments – reduce inflammation and itching, used for short periods.

• Non-corticosteroid anti-inflammatory preparations – e.g., calcineurin inhibitors (pimecrolimus, tacrolimus), suitable for longer-term care.

• Antihistamines – against itching and allergic reactions.

• Disinfectant compresses or baths – for microbial eczema.

Regeneration of the skin barrier

Eczema is always associated with a damaged protective layer of the skin. Therefore, it is essential to:

• Apply moisturizer regularly – ideally several times a day, even without acute symptoms.

• Use of emollients and balms without fragrances and preservatives.

• Choice of mild cleansers without alcohol and sulfates.

Identification and elimination of triggers

Successful treatment often depends on finding specific irritants. These may include:

• Allergens – dust, mites, animal hair, food.

• Stress – one of the most common triggers.

• Climate – frost, low humidity, frequent swimming in chlorinated water.

• Clothing – especially synthetic materials or woolen fabrics.

Supportive and alternative treatments

• Phototherapy (UVB radiation) – can reduce inflammation and itching.

• Psychotherapy and relaxation techniques – help manage stress, which often exacerbates eczema.

• Dietary supplements – e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, vitamin D, zinc.

Practical advice for everyday life with eczema

• Shorten baths to 5 to 10 minutes, use lukewarm water.

• Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing.

• Wear loose cotton clothing.

• Avoid sudden changes in temperature and overheated rooms.

• Limit the use of perfumed cosmetics and aggressive cleaning products.

• Make sure you get enough sleep and stay hydrated.

When to see a dermatologist

If your eczema keeps worsening, doesn't respond to standard care, or is accompanied by infection, fever, or pain, you need to see a specialist. Your doctor can perform patch tests to identify allergens and recommend appropriate medication or specialised therapy. A dermatologist can also check your moles as a prevention against skin cancer.

What happens during a visit to the dermatologist

Medical history (interview with the patient)

The doctor will first ask detailed questions about:

• the onset and development of symptoms,

• how often the eczema appears and how long it lasts,

• whether the itching worsens during stress, after eating, contact with cosmetics, etc.,

• family history of allergies or atopy,

• work environment (contact with chemicals, gloves, dust).

This step is very important – the type of eczema can often be estimated from the interview alone.

Clinical examination of the skin

The dermatologist will carefully examine the skin – assessing the extent, color, scaling, oozing, cracks, and typical locations of the lesions.

In case of uncertainty, they may use a dermatoscope – a special device for detailed examination of the skin.

Additional examinations

The following may be performed as needed:

• Epicutaneous (allergy) tests – patches with allergens are applied to the back, and the reaction is read after 48–72 hours.

• Microbiological smear – if infection is suspected (e.g., bacteria or yeast).

• Blood tests – e.g., IgE antibodies or thyroid examination if the problems are long-term.

Diagnosis and treatment plan

The doctor will explain what type of eczema it is and suggest treatment, which usually includes:

• topical treatment (ointments, creams, compresses),

• skin care between flare-ups,

• identification of triggers and lifestyle recommendations,

• possibly phototherapy or referral to a specialist allergist.

Follow-up visits

The dermatologist will usually invite the patient back after a few weeks to assess how the treatment is working. Chronic eczema often requires long-term cooperation.

 

Eczema is a disease that requires patience, regularity, and a comprehensive approach. Successful treatment involves a combination of dermatological care, lifestyle changes, and daily prevention. Although eczema cannot always be completely cured, its symptoms can be effectively managed so that the skin remains healthy, calm, and free of inflammation.

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Atopický ekzém (dermatitis atopica). [cit. 2025-16-12]. Published on:  https://www.dermanet.cz/cs/kozni-choroby/abeceda-koznich-nemoci/atopicky-ekzem-(dermatitis-atopica)__s589x7310.html

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MUDr. Štěpánka Čapková (2017). Současné možnosti léčby atopického ekzému. [cit. 2025-16-12]. Published on: https://www.pediatriepropraxi.cz/pdfs/ped/2017/01/08.pdf

MUDr. Zuzana Nevoralová, Ph.D (2015). Atopický ekzém – teorie i praktické rady. [cit. 2025-16-12]. Published on: https://www.dermatologiepropraxi.cz/pdfs/der/2015/03/03.pdf