<s>[INST] How should eczema flares and severe eczema be treated? [/INST] Skin damage can be prevented by applying creams or ointments prescribed by your doctor as soon as eczema is present. In contrast, not using enough of the treatments can cause skin damage due to itching, which can lead to scarring.

If prescribed, use topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors:

These treatments actively treat inflammation (redness and itching).
Ensure that adequate amounts are used. As a guide, one fingertip unit (FTU) is the amount of ointment from the first bend in the finger to the fingertip, which will cover an area equal to two adult hands.
Apply moisturiser after corticosteroid cream or ointment has been applied.
If prescribed, use a recently listed treatment for severe eczema. There are now two treatments for severe eczema that are listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia for people aged 12 years or older with severe eczema which has not responded to other prescribed topical treatments:

Dupixent® (dupilumab) is an immune modulating treatment given by injection that is self-administered. Dupilumab works by modifying the body’s immune response to prevent inflammation that plays a central role in eczema, but it is not an immunosuppressant.
Rinvoq® (upadacitinib) is a Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, that is taken as an oral tablet. JAK enzymes create signals in the body's immune system that result in inflammation, so JAK inhibitors work by blocking these signals. This reduces inflammation and the production of immune cells within the body.
It is important to ask your clinical immunology/allergy specialist or dermatologist to see if you are eligible for one of these treatments for severe eczema, which target different parts of the immune system. Source: ASCIA. Link: https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/skin-allergy/eczema. Field: Dermatology. Disease: Eczema </s>