Overwhelmed by Eczema Treatment Options? Read This Guide First

Having had eczema over multiple decades since childhood, I can confidently say that there has never been a time like the present that has ever felt so abundant with treatment options and diverse perspectives all over the world about eczema. It is both exciting and, at times, overwhelming.

Why so many eczema treatment options can feel overwhelming

It can feel like both a blessing and a curse to have so many options for treatments and products to try. We can all have similar-looking symptoms and deal with similar side effects on our lifestyle, our confidence, and our sleep because of the itching and wound pain. But how do we know if the ingredients of one product or a treatment that worked for one warrior will work for another?

Testing eczema treatment options on my own skin

I have found that I cannot find the answer to this question just through observation and hearsay from others or from watching videos, reading articles, or even books alone. The only way I have found out what works for me to successfully treat and care for my rashes is to be my own guinea pig and to test things out for myself.

As I test new treatments and products on my skin, I take notes (usually mentally, though written or other visual notes help, too, and I can share them with health providers) to document my healing experiments. I might then do online research or use AI to explore treatment options and products that support the patterns that improve my skin. I would also do research into treatment options and products that tend to worsen my type of skin and rashes so that I can avoid those and anything similar to them.

Tracking eczema triggers and finding patterns over time

When I used to have really active rashes, I would test one factor or one new product or treatment at a time for about 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, I would see if it made a difference whether for better or worse. If it was better, I would continue to use it and find other similar products or treatments to test out. If it was worse, it was more data that I could also add to my list of things to avoid in the future. Over time, I started to see patterns emerge and know which ones to look out for and which ones to stay away from forging my own path to healing.

Finding an eczema doctor with a proven track record

Once I have what I feel is enough information and documentation of patterns repeating and have a solid sense of factors that help or harm my sensitive skin, then I will then have confidence to speak with a doctor or skin specialist and schedule an appointment to discuss my symptoms and see what products or treatments or services they might be able to offer me based on my research and experience.

How do I decide which doctor to go with? I look for a doctor who has a proven track record of having a high success rate with treating eczema. I find this proven track record through social proof, testimonials, and reviews whether online or in-person. These testimonials for me must include not only full recoveries but that the eczema patient stays healed and eventually no longer has to see the doctor in the long-term. Maybe they see them for a few years, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel at some point. There is no life-long dependency on the doctor or specialist.

Making peace with natural versus medical eczema treatment

In looking for providers and treatment options that work for eczema, I have often seen the battle between going with natural care and conventional medicine online.

While I’m a big DIYer and fan of prevention, home remedies, and using organic, cruelty-free products, I’m also a big fan of anything that can work to improve an eczema warrior's health and quality of life – so long as there are no long-term side effects or consequences.

The thing is that even organic products can be risky for sensitive skin if that particular ingredient causes an allergic reaction. Even essential oils can be very stimulating on the skin directly and need to be properly diluted to be skin-safe to use.

Letting go of shame around how you treat your eczema

I think that what Western medicine and science get right about health is having the systems and tools to accurately and consistently track and document symptoms and the impact of treatments or products on the body. This can be a great system to use for even tracking the usage of natural remedies and home remedies for future reference.

In searching for your own specific solution, I believe that taking away the shame of going in either direction will be most helpful and effective for both your mental and skin’s health. Because why limit ourselves when we have a plethora of options to heal?