How are different types of eczema treated?

There are several types of eczema, and the treatments for them can vary. Skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, discoid eczema and neurodermatitis all involve inflammation, but they can look and behave differently. So too can dyshidrotic eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.

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Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer

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Medically reviewed by

Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer

on May 29, 2025.

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Last updated on Feb 20, 2026.

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Because of this, treatments may vary. For example, discoid eczema may need antibiotics more often due to the risk of infection, whereas contact dermatitis treatment focuses on identifying and avoiding your triggers. Not sure what type you have? A healthcare professional can help diagnose it and recommend the right treatment for your skin.

Learn more about different eczema treatments here.

Summary

Eczema is a chronic condition that needs ongoing care to prevent infections, manage itching, and protect skin health.
Home remedies like oat baths and honey might help soothe symptoms, but they’re not a replacement for medical treatments.
Weeping eczema is often a sign of infection and could need antibiotics. Always see your doctor if you notice yellow crusts or fluid.
Triggers like soaps, dust, and stress can worsen eczema, so lifestyle changes often play a big role in managing it.
Different types of eczema may need different approaches, but moisturizers and topical steroids are key treatments for most.

Home remedies that can help with eczema

Manuka honey

Manuka honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. One small study found it improved eczema lesions and calmed immune system overactivity.

Aloe vera gel

Cools, hydrates, and soothes irritated skin. Evidence suggests it can help to heal wounds and support your immune system.

Oat baths (colloidal oatmeal)

Colloidal oatmeal helps reduce inflammation, itching, and skin dryness. Studies show it can improve eczema symptoms like roughness and scaling.

Wet wrap therapy

Wrapping a wet and dry layer of fabric onto affected skin, after bathing, moisturizing, and applying any ointments or creams, can help to rehydrate your skin. This technique can also help treatments to penetrate your skin more effectively.

Coconut oil

The fatty acids in coconut oil might help to reduce inflammation and restore the skin barrier. Studies also suggest it has antimicrobial properties, so it can help with infection.

Primrose oil

Thought to help reduce inflammation and itching but the research is inconclusive. Studies don’t support its efficacy for eczema.

Sunflower seed oil

Sunflower oil can help to reduce itch and ease inflammation. It also helps to reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture.

Dietary changes

Cutting out triggers like dairy or gluten can help some people, but the evidence is mixed. It can help some people with inflammation, but it’ll be different for everyone.

Probiotics

There’s some evidence that probiotics might reduce the chance of eczema in children if taken during pregnancy, but studies haven’t found evidence they can help existing eczema.

If you’re pregnant, it’s always best to talk to your doctor before starting any treatment.

Commonly used medications for the different types of eczema

What eczema treatment should I use?

Type of eczema	Type of medication	Advantages	Time to clear flare up	Prescription needed?
Atopic dermatitis (AD)	Moisturizing creams with ceramides	Strengthens the skin barrier and reduces flare-ups	Ongoing preventive use	No
	Topical steroid cream (e.g. hydrocortisone, betamethasone)	Easy to apply to inflamed patches; reduces redness and itch fast	A few days to a week	Mild: No Stronger: Yes
	Biologics or phototherapy	Long-term option for moderate/severe AD; targets inflammation at immune level	Several weeks to see full effect	Yes
Contact dermatitis	Topical steroid cream (e.g. clobetasol for severe cases)	Best for reducing redness and swelling quickly	Usually within a week	Mild: No Stronger: Yes
	Barrier creams	Protects skin from irritant exposure; strengthens skin barrier	Use daily for prevention	No
Dyshidrotic eczema	Topical steroids (e.g. clobetasol)	High-potency steroids are usually best for more severe cases of dyshidrotic eczema due to deeper skin penetration	1–2 weeks	Yes
	Moisturizers	Stop the skin from becoming dry (generally used in combination with other treatments)	2-3 weeks	No
	Cool compresses with potassium permanganate	Helps dry out fluid-filled blisters	A few days	Yes
Stasis dermatitis	Topical corticosteroids + compression therapy	Reduces swelling and skin inflammation; compression tackles root cause	Several weeks	Yes
	Oral antibiotics or steroid tablets (if infected)	Used for infection and severe inflammation	1-2 weeks	Yes
Seborrheic dermatitis	Antifungal shampoo (e.g. ketoconazole 1%); Also antifungal creams, lotions, foams, and gels	First line treatment for seborrheic dermatitis; reduces yeast overgrowth	A few washes to a week	Over-the-counter and Rx options
	Topical steroid or calcineurin inhibitor	These are short-term treatments, to quickly clear up symptoms	Within a few days	Yes
Neurodermatitis	Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g. tacrolimus)	Non-steroid option that helps to break itch-scratch cycle	1–2 weeks	Yes
	Oral antihistamines	Helps manage nighttime itch and improve sleep	Within an hour	No
	Potent topical steroids	Helps to soften thickened skin and reduce itch to break the cycle	A few days to a week	Yes
Nummular eczema	Mid- to high-potency topical steroids (e.g. triamcinolone)	Calms inflammation and itch; easy to apply	A few days to a couple of weeks	Yes
	Phototherapy (UVB)	Used for more widespread, stubborn cases	Several sessions over weeks	Yes

The Eczema Treatment Pyramid

What's the difference between weeping and infected eczema?

Weeping eczema refers to eczema patches that ooze clear or yellowish fluid. This weeping happens when inflamed skin becomes so irritated that fluid (called serum) leaks through the surface. It’s often (but not always) a sign that the skin barrier has broken down, allowing infection to develop.

Weeping can be caused by intense inflammation alone, but it’s most commonly a sign of an infection. When the skin is open or cracked from scratching or dryness, it becomes an easy entry point for bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Infected eczema tends to appear more swollen, painful, crusty, and red, and can spread quickly if left untreated. The most common bacterial infection is caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Viral infections like herpes simplex can cause more severe weeping and a serious condition called eczema herpeticum.

If your eczema starts weeping suddenly, especially with pain, fever, or spreading redness, it’s important to see a doctor.

How to help weeping eczema

The first step in managing weeping eczema is figuring out whether it’s infected.
Ways of treating weeping eczema include:

Antibiotics or antiviral medications: If your eczema is infected, a doctor could prescribe oral or topical antibiotics, or antivirals.
Avoiding soaps and detergents: Products like bubble baths, shower gels, and wet wipes can irritate sensitive or broken skin, even if they seem mild. Try switching to soap substitutes like moisturizing cleansers.
Gentle bathing: A daily lukewarm bath or shower using an emollient cleanser can help soothe and hydrate your skin. Apply moisturizers and any prescribed treatments straight after drying off to help seal in moisture.
Antihistamines: These can help reduce itchiness and discomfort, especially at night, but they won’t treat the underlying cause. They can be useful alongside other treatments.
Protecting your skin: Cuts and cracks can trigger or worsen weeping eczema. Wear gloves for household tasks and keep fingernails short and clean to reduce the risk of scratching or infection.

Always follow your treatment plan and speak to a healthcare professional if your symptoms get worse or don’t improve.

How to help itching eczema

Anti-itch creams: Products like Eucerin, CeraVe Itch Relief, or Aveeno contain soothing ingredients that can help reduce itch and moisturize the skin.
Moisturizers: An essential for eczema management. They form a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture and preventing further dryness. Common options include CeraVe, Cetaphil, and Vanicream.
Topical steroids: For flare-ups, steroids help reduce redness, swelling, and itchiness. These can include Hydrocortisone, Triamcinolone, or Clobetasol.

Some home remedies include:

Applying a cool compress (like a clean damp washcloth) to itchy areas to quickly calm the skin.
Keeping your nails short to avoid breaking the skin if you do scratch.
Wearing loose, soft clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton to prevent further irritation.

What happens if eczema is left untreated?

If eczema is left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems over time.

When the skin remains inflamed and damaged, it becomes more vulnerable to infections. Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus can enter through cracks or open wounds, leading to weeping, crusting, and worsening redness. In some cases, viral infections such as herpes simplex can cause a serious flare-up called eczema herpeticum, which needs urgent medical attention.

Long-term scratching and inflammation can also lead to scarring or skin thickening (a condition called lichenification), which makes eczema harder to manage and treat.

Beyond the potential for infection, untreated eczema often causes sleep problems, especially in children. It can also negatively impact your mental health, which can lead to anxiety and low mood.

It’s important to get the right support early. Effective treatment can relieve your symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and help protect your skin.

Don’t wait for it to get worse – explore eczema treatment options or speak to your doctor.

Sourcing guidelines:

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.