Prescription Eczema Treatments
Eczema, also called dermatitis, is a chronic skin disorder that involves itchy, red rashes on the upper layers of skin. Eczema is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction which leads to long-term inflammation. There are several prescription eczema treatments.
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Oral Corticosteroids
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Doctors often prescribe short courses of oral corticosteroids to control severe eczema symptoms and reduce inflammation. Oral corticosteroids occasionally cause serious side effects, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure and cataracts.
Immunomodulators
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Physicians sometimes prescribe eczema sufferers a topical immunomodulator (TIM), which regulates immune system activity. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends these prescription eczema treatments only for individuals who can't tolerate any other type of treatments.
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Antibiotics
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Infected eczema rashes might need prescription antibiotic or antifungal medications. Although these medicines clear up skin infections, they do very little to cure the eczema itself.
Corticosteroid Creams
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Antiinflammatory corticosteroid ointments or creams are frequently prescribed to relive the itching and scaling of severe flare-ups. The most commonly prescribed corticosteroid creams are fluocinolone and triamcinolone.
Dressings
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Severe eczema infections sometimes crack open the skin. Physicians typically prescribe mild astringent wet dressings to prevent infection.
Side Effects
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Long-term or repeated use of topical eczema treatments include thinning of the skin, skin discoloration or irritation, stretch marks and infection.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Creative Commons photo by Tricia Ward
