Is there a cure for eczema?

It's the first question most parents ask me. The honest answer: there's no one-time eczema cure yet, but most children can get to clear, comfortable skin, and many outgrow eczema as they grow.

Why there's no one-time cure

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) comes from a combination of a leaky skin barrier, an overactive immune response in the skin, and bacteria like staph that thrive on irritated skin. Those tendencies are partly genetic, so no single treatment switches them off for good. What we can do is control each piece, and when all three are controlled, the skin can stay clear for long stretches.

The good news: many children outgrow it

Eczema is most common in babies and young children, and it often improves with age. Many children have much milder eczema, or none at all, by school age or adolescence. Keeping skin under control in the meantime protects sleep, prevents infections, and keeps the skin from becoming more sensitized.

What gets eczema under control

1. Lower staph: a hypochlorous acid spray 3 to 4 times a day (let it air dry) or a CLn BodyWash in the bath.
2. Treat flares the day they start with the medicated ointment your pediatrician recommends. Don't wait for flares to get bad.
3. Seal the skin every day with a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer like petroleum jelly, even when the skin looks clear.
4. Cut triggers: fragrance, heat and sweat, long hot baths and rough fabrics.

This is exactly the routine I used to heal my daughter's severe eczema. Read our story.

Newer treatments for stubborn eczema

For moderate to severe eczema that doesn't respond to a good routine, there are now more options than ever, including non-steroid prescription creams and injectable medicines, some approved for young children. They don't cure eczema either, but they can control it very well. Ask your pediatrician or a pediatric dermatologist whether your child is a candidate.

Be wary of "eczema cure" claims

If a cream, supplement or diet promises to cure eczema, be skeptical. Many of these products contain fragrance or plant extracts that can make eczema worse, and none has been shown to cure it permanently.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a permanent cure for eczema?

Not yet. Eczema is a long-term condition of the skin barrier and immune system. But with the right routine, most children can keep their skin clear and comfortable, and many outgrow eczema or see it improve a lot with age.

Do babies grow out of eczema?

Many do. Eczema often improves as children get older, and a good number of children have little or no eczema by school age or the teen years. Keeping it well controlled in the meantime protects their skin and sleep.

Can eczema go away completely?

Eczema can go into long stretches of remission where the skin looks completely normal. The tendency can still come back with triggers like dry weather, illness or fragrance, which is why the daily routine matters.

Should I trust products that claim to cure eczema?

Be cautious. No cream, supplement or diet has been shown to permanently cure eczema. Products that promise a cure are making a claim the evidence doesn't support.

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