Whether you’re an old hand at tackling eczema symptoms, or you’re new to managing this chronic condition, it’s worth reviewing your medication options. Here’s some help from the National Jewish Medical and Research Center (NJMRC), a leading authority on allergies, asthma, and immunology, about the types of medications now available. These prescription medications can treat symptoms ranging from a mild case of dry, itchy skin to a more severe eczema flare-up.

Topical medications

If you have eczema, even the most thorough skin care regimen can’t prevent you from having occasional flare-ups. When this happens, your doctor can prescribe a topical (applied to the skin) steroid or topical hydrocortisone to reduce the itching and swelling. Topical steroids, the most commonly prescribed form of eczema treatment, come in ointments, creams, gels, sprays, and lotions. Topical hydrocortisones are available in creams and ointments. In general, ointments are greasy in texture and are most effective for treating very dry or scaly skin. Creams contain more water and are best for oozing or “weeping” areas of eczema. Sprays and lotions can be used on your scalp or hair.

When applying a topical treatment, spread a thin layer of medication over the affected area, enough so that your skin glistens in the light. Many prescription creams or ointments come with directions to “use sparingly.” Also use appropriately. The best time to apply a topical medication is right after you’ve had a bath, when the greatest amount of medicine will be absorbed into your skin.

Once you’ve put on your cream or ointment, apply an emollient such as petroleum jelly to help seal in the medication, as well as the moisture from the bath. In general, topical steroids should not be used more than twice a day. Check with your doctor about the dosage that’s right for you, and follow all instructions carefully.

The kind of topical medication your doctor may prescribe for you depends on how severe your symptoms are, where your symptoms occur, and how much of your body is affected. For example, topical steroids are effective, but because they can be harsh on the skin, they’re not recommended for sensitive areas. If you have eczema symptoms on your face, neck, or other thin-skinned areas, your doctor may prescribe a hydrocortisone cream or ointment. Topical hydrocortisone is often applied to treat eczema on the tender skin of infants and small children.

As long as you use a topical steroid as your doctor directs, there’s little risk of side effects. But over long periods of time, topical steroids can lead to side effects, especially if preparation is strong (over 1% concentration). The most common side effect is thinning of the skin’s outer layer. Acne and skin discoloration (called hypopigmentation) may also occur.

Luckily for those who need long-term treatment, there is another option for relief from itching. It may sound strange, but ointments made from extracts of coal tar can reduce eczema swelling and itching. These tar preparations don’t work as quickly, but the anti-inflammatory action is the same, the relief tends to last longer, and you may be able to avoid many of the side effects from long-term use of topical steroids. If you have concerns about topical steroids, discuss the pros and cons of tar therapy with your health care provider.

Antihistamines and antibiotics

If itching is a serious problem (and it often is), your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine or an anti-anxiety pill. Most people associate antihistamines with allergies and asthma, but these medications also have a relaxing effect that can help reduce your urge to scratch, especially at night. That’s why anti-anxiety drugs can help relieve itching and discomfort.

If you’re prone to bacterial infections, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic. Infections from bacteria such as staphylococcus are a common source of mild inflammation, which can set the stage for an eczema flare-up.

In some severe cases, your health care provider may recommend a short stay in the hospital for comprehensive evaluation and skin treatment. The treatment you receive in the hospital isn’t much different from the kinds of treatments mentioned above. But sometimes simply getting away from your household triggers — such as dust mites and pet dander — can make all the difference. This is also a good opportunity to experiment with new medications to treat your eczema symptoms.

Whether you treat yourself at home or have the help of a hospital staff, remember the twin goals of long-term eczema management: continuous and proper skin care and effective treatment for occasional flare-ups. Working together, you and your doctor can find the best medication and treatment plan for you.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 21st, 2007 at 5:57 am and is filed under Skin Concerns. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.