How Is Eczema Treated?
Other medications that might be used for patients with eczema include antibiotics (to treat infected skin) and antihistamines (to help control itching). Phototherapy is another treatment that helps some people with eczema. The ultraviolet light waves found in sunlight have been shown to benefit certain skin disorders, including eczema. Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light, either ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB), from special lamps to treat people with severe eczema. In some cases, a medication called psoralens is prescribed before phototherapy to make the skin more sensitive to the effects of the ultraviolet light. This treatment is called PUVA (psoralens plus ultraviolet A). Risks associated with phototherapy include burning (usually resembling a mild sunburn), dry skin, itchy skin, freckling, and possible premature aging of the skin. Your health care professionals will work with you to minimize any risks.
