Published Apr 23, 2025
Updated Jun 28, 2026

Eczema Relief: 7 Treatment Options To Manage Eczema

Written by  Angela Myers
Reviewed by  Dr. Shamard Charles, MD-MPH

Article at a glance

  • Eczema is a skin disease that causes irritation. It often manifests as a rash, itchiness, blisters, red skin, or inflamed skin. 
  • Eczema treatment requires a multi-pronged approach involving trigger avoidance, medications to soothe symptoms during a flare-up, and measures to prevent future flares. 
  • The most common eczema treatments are over-the-counter and prescription topicals and oral medications. Home remedies, light therapy, and biologics are also common options. 
woman putting moisturizer on her skin

If someone has a red, irritated patch of skin, it could be caused by Eczema. This skin condition can be difficult to deal with, as there’s no known cause and many triggers for flares. Fortunately, there are many eczema treatments, some of which may offer immediate eczema relief.

The right treatment options for you will depend on eczema severity and any related diseases someone might have. A healthcare provider will help you decide on the best treatment option, but it never hurts to do your own research. 

What Is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is characterized by an itchy skin rash. It is a common chronic skin condition, impacting 200 million people worldwide. While a rash and itchiness are the most common symptoms, it can also make the skin more susceptible to irritants, disrupt sleep and normal everyday life, and increase the risk of skin infections, including cold sores or warts.

This condition leads to sensitive skin, usually in one or a few concentrated body parts:

  • Hands
  • Neck
  • Elbow
  • Knees
  • Skin around the eyes
  • Ankles
  • Feet

In infants and babies, eczema usually appears around the scalp, a condition commonly referred to as ​“cradle cap.”

Who Gets Eczema?

Eczema can impact anyone. 60% of cases develop before the first birthday, and it’s more common in infants and children. Sometimes, children outgrow eczema by early adulthood. Other times, eczema-prone skin persists into adulthood. About 15–30% of children have eczema, as well as 2–10% of adults. 

What Causes Eczema?

While common, no one knows the exact cause of eczema. That said, a mix of genetic and environmental factors that impact the skin barrier is likely at play. External factors, like harmful UV rays, bacteria, pollutants, and dry air, can all harm the skin. Fortunately, the skin barrier blocks these rays by producing an oil that moisturizes the skin, ensuring healthy skin cell reproduction. 

The filaggrin gene, which helps maintain the skin barrier, is the most closely related to eczema development. Other genes related to immune system functioning and the skin barrier may play a role as well. Eczema is also higher in populations that have allergies and/​or asthma, though researchers are still exploring the relationship between these three conditions. 

Common Eczema Symptoms

Eczema impacts everyone differently, though there are a few hallmark symptoms people experience:

  • Blisters that ooze or crust over
  • Very dry skin
  • Areas of bumpy skin
  • Ear bleeding or discharge
  • Redness
  • Sensitive skin from scratching
  • Skin irritation or itchiness
  • Inflamed skin
  • Difficulty sleeping

Many people also experience emotional distress, like stress, social anxiety, or feeling self-conscious, because of what eczema looks like on their skin. While this condition is highly visible, it’s important to know that you aren’t alone if you suffer from it. 

7 Remedies for Eczema Relief

While it’s tempting to say ​“just stop scratching” to treat eczema, it’s not that simple for most people. There is no cure for eczema, but relief often comes in many forms. Treatment includes making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding eczema triggers and using over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication(s). 

#1: Avoid Eczema Triggers

Typically, symptoms appear in specific areas of the body during brief flare-ups. Many environmental and internal factors can trigger itchy eczema, including:

  • Allergies
  • Cold or dry air, especially in the winter
  • Illnesses, like the flu or a cold
  • Irritants and chemicals
  • Rough materials, including wool
  • Dry skin
  • Harsh soaps
  • Swimming or taking baths often, drying out the skin
  • Sudden changes in temperature
  • Stress
  • Certain food and food allergies, commonly eggs, milk, peanuts, or fish
  • Dyes in clothing
  • Fragrances and other materials added to skin products

When possible, avoid your known eczema, as well as other common triggers, like harsh soaps and stress, to prevent flare-ups. 

#2: Product Swaps

To reduce itching, consider switching to products formulated for sensitive skin or for folks with eczema. The National Eczema Association provides a seal of acceptance for many products across multiple categories, including:

  • Sunscreen
  • Lip care
  • Laundry
  • Lotions and moisturizers 
  • Wipes
  • Hair care
  • Cleansers
  • Body wash

Anyone living with eczema could benefit from doing an audit of the products they use in these categories, subbing out any irritating ones for options designed to support folks with eczema. 

#3: Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

OTC treatments can be purchased without a prescription, either at a local drugstore or online. For eczema, OTC medications include topicals and oral medications. Typically, these medications address eczema symptoms, like itching or rash. Most fall into three main categories:

  • Antihistamines: Because eczema is closely related to allergies, many people benefit from taking an antihistamine like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), or diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Antihistamines help reduce flares and inflammation that stem from the body’s reaction to present allergens. These medications may cause drowsiness, but can be beneficial for nighttime itching.
  • Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and other pain relievers can be used during flares to manage pain and inflammation. 
  • Topical hydrocortisone: Low-potency steroids applied to the skin can reduce swelling, irritated skin, and itchiness. These come in many forms, including lotions, creams, ointments, and gels, and are applied one to four times a day. Typically, they are used only during flares, not consistently. 

While you need a prescription from a primary care provider or dermatologist to purchase OTC medications, you should still consult with one prior to use because they can recommend the best option for you. A provider can help navigate medication choices and choose the right one for your symptoms and lifestyle. 

#4: Prescription Topical Therapies

Topical treatments refer to medications applied directly to the skin. While some are available OTC, those with a higher potency require a prescription from a healthcare provider. Common prescription topicals include:

  • Aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist: These non-steroid medications can combat various skin conditions, including eczema. Because they don’t contain steroids, they can be used for longer.
  • Calcineurin inhibitors: This immunosuppressant topical stops certain cells from ​“switching on” an eczema flare. 
  • PDE4 inhibitors: These medications stop basophil IL‑4 production, which contributes to inflammation and eczema severity. 
  • Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors: JAK inhibitors prevent inflammatory responses in the skin barrier, limiting eczema symptoms. 
  • Prescription-strength corticosteroids: Topical corticosteroids are the most common (and oldest) topical used for eczema. Due to their side effects, such as acne or changes in skin color, steroids are only recommended for short-term use during flares. 

All topicals are applied directly to the skin, similar to a lotion or moisturizer. Apply eczema topicals consistently and as directed, just as you would apply moisturizer. 

#5: Prescription Oral Medications

While topicals are commonly prescribed because they target the direct site of an eczema breakout, oral medications may help relieve general eczema symptoms or prevent future flares. These medications fall into many of the same camps as topicals: immunosuppressants, steroids, and JAK inhibitors.

Some other medications are ​“off-label” for eczema. Off-label means an FDA-approved medication for another medical condition, but it may be effective for eczema too. The four most popular medications – azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate – are FDA-approved for transplant patients, helping their bodies adjust to a new organ. However, these medications also help suppress the immune system functioning, leading to fewer eczema flares. 

#6: Prescription Injectables

Biologics are a type of injectable that targets inflammation in the immune system. When someone has eczema, the immune system and skin barrier react more than they should to perceived or actual external particles, causing skin irritation and inflammation. Biologics disrupt the message from the immune system to the barrier, stopping eczema flares before they begin. While these are the most targeted eczema treatments, they are experimental and usually prescribed for more severe eczema cases. 

#7: Natural Treatments 

Medications often come with side effects, leading many to explore natural ways to provide eczema relief. Phototherapy, also called light therapy, is one of the most common. It’s prescribed for both adults and children since it helps reduce eczema itchiness and inflammation. Mineral oil and other natural products, such as coconut oil or tea tree oil, may help with eczema symptoms, like relieving dry skin, discomfort, or itchiness.

Lifestyle changes can also help, including:

  • Taking bleach baths (adding 1/2 cup of household bleach to 40 gallons of warm water)
  • Using skincare containing colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oatmeal that is considered a skin protectant by the FDA).
  • Using cool compresses
  • Using an anti-itch moisturizer– making sure to moisturize at least twice a day to soothe dryness
  • Use an eczema-friendly ointment like petroleum jelly
  • Not itching affected areas
  • Using a humidifier, to add moisture to the air
Graphic displaying different ways to relieve eczema discomfort

When Should I Talk to My Doctor About Eczema?

If experiencing any symptoms of eczema, talk to a primary care provider who can refer you to a dermatologist. Alternatively, you can find a dermatologist via the National Eczema Association’s Eczema Provider Finder.

A dermatologist will ask about symptoms, examine the skin, review a patient’s medical history, and order lab tests to diagnose eczema. They may also order a patch test, where small amounts of different allergens are applied to the skin and then covered. The patches that react correlate to allergens that are eczema triggers. After a diagnosis, a dermatologist can review any skin products you’re using and create a treatment plan to manage your condition. 

Will Insurance Cover Eczema Treatments?

If a health insurance plan covers dermatological services, it most likely will cover eczema treatments. The exact treatments covered depend on the plan’s specifics, which is something healthcare providers consider when creating treatment plans. Private insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid plans work similarly as they all cover eczema treatments deemed ​“medically necessary.” 

More natural treatments, like a lotion that is good for eczema or avoiding triggers, are not covered under most health insurance plans.

Mental Health & Eczema

Meanwhile, eczema also takes a toll on mental health, as some people may feel frustrated by the condition, and insecure about their body. Practices like meditation, breathing techniques, and journaling can help. But you also don’t have to deal with the mental health impacts alone. 

Here are some resources to find help if you’re struggling:

General Resources

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FAQ

What relieves eczema?

There are multiple ways to relieve eczema, including taking an antihistamine or pain killer, or applying a soothing lotion. Dealing with eczema, however, isn’t just about relief in the moment, but also finding a long-term plan to prevent future eczema flares.

What is the best eczema relief?

The best eczema relief depends on specific symptoms and eczema severity level. Those with mild eczema often find over-the-counter medications, like low-potency steroids and antihistamines, useful, as well as swapping out current skincare products with those designed for sensitive skin. People with more severe eczema often benefit from light therapy, prescription medications, or biologics.

How do you calm an eczema flare-up?

To calm an eczema flare-up, focus on removing environmental triggers, like wool clothing or cold air, and soothing the symptoms. Skincare products and other natural solutions can help reduce symptoms, though many find topical or oral medications helpful too.

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