Medicines to Treat Eczema

Definition, Classification and Causes

Eczema represents one of the most common variants of dermatitis: we are talking about a very common skin disease, of a purely inflammatory nature, characterized by itching and local inflammation on the skin surface. There are many types of eczema:

Atopic eczema: typical of patients predisposed to allergies, hay asthma, food allergies
Contact dermatitis: expression of an allergic reaction to a substance (e.g. nickel allergy)
Seborrheic dermatitis: typical of the scalp, it is favored by corticosteroids, autoimmune diseases, incorrect personal hygiene, fungal infections
Chronic lichen simplex: caused by continuous rubbing of the skin and scratching
Hand eczema: typical of latex allergies
Stasis dermatitis: typical of patients with circulation disorders in the veins of the legs
Asteatotic eczema: typical of old age. Risk factors: places with low humidity

Symptoms

Although the variants of eczema are very numerous, the symptomatological picture is often marked by redness, swelling and itching of the skin, at the point where the eczema appears. For example, the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are concentrated in the scalp, while the "Contact eczema appears precisely in the area where the skin has been placed in contact with the allergenic substance. Often, the symptomatological picture of eczema is completed by the formation of blisters, scabs and possible scar lesions on the skin.

The information on Eczema - Eczema Treatment Drugs is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Eczema - Eczema Treatment Drugs.

Medicines

Since we are treating a skin disorder, the treatment of eczema must often be carried out with drugs to be applied locally; in the most annoying forms, when the itching and redness of the skin are of considerable entity, it is possible to associate topical therapy with the systemic administration of specific drugs, such as antihistamines and cortisones. To give an example, in atopic dermatitis creams or ointments based on corticosteroids are normally recommended, while in contact eczema it may also be necessary to administer antihistamines to remove all allergic symptoms.
In the case of proven bacterial co-infection in the context of eczema, a specific antibiotic treatment against the responsible pathogen is recommended.
In the event of particularly severe eczema, associated with severe allergic reactions, it is possible to opt for immunosuppressants or corticosteroids to be taken systemically.
Furthermore, in some patients suffering from eczema, UV therapy is recommended: the patient is subjected to direct lighting with UVA and UVB rays. Contact between the skin and UV rays can alleviate the symptoms accompanying eczema, such as itching and irritation. .
Seborrheic eczema (seborrheic dermatitis) should be treated with specific anti-dandruff drugs or creams with antifungal action.

The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against eczema, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:

Cortisone drugs for topical application:

Hydrocortisone (eg Locoidon, Colifoam): it is a steroid drug for topical application. It is recommended to apply the solution in the area affected by eczema once a day; the therapy should be continued for a few weeks, since the first improvements are observed at least after 7 days.
Clocortolone (eg. Cloderm): apply the drug in the form of a cream or ointment three times a day, directly on the site affected by eczema. It is recommended to massage until the product is completely absorbed.
Desonide (eg. Sterades, cream or cutaneous solution): for the treatment of eczema, the drug is available as a cream, lotion, foam or gel to be applied directly on the lesion. The indicative dosage is to apply a thin layer of cream 2- 3 times a day. Do not administer to children under three months of age. For the treatment of infantile eczema, do not exceed two applications per day with this drug.
Mometasone (eg Nasonex, Rinelon): for the treatment of eczema, apply a thin layer of cream on the infected area, once a day, in full compliance with the instructions given by the doctor.

Systemic corticosteroid drugs: indicated to treat severe forms of eczema, which do not resolve with the mere topical application of creams or lotions.

Prednisone (eg. Deltacortene, Lodotra): indicatively, take the drug at a dose of 60 mg per day for one or two weeks. Respect the doctor's instructions: the dosage can be modulated according to the severity of the symptoms and the patient's response to treatment.
Dexamethasone (eg Decadron, Soldesam): indicated for the treatment of severe forms of eczema, especially if associated with immune disorders. For the posology: consult your doctor.

Antifungal drugs for the treatment of fungal eczema:

Ciclopirox (eg Fungizione): antifungal for topical application. In the form of a gel, it is recommended to apply the product twice a day for 4 weeks; the drug is also available in the form of a 1% shampoo: apply the product (5mg, corresponding to about a teaspoon, or two if it is long hair) on wet hair. Rub vigorously to form a persistent foam; then let it rest for 3 minutes. Avoid contact with eyes.

Systemic antiviral drugs: indicated for the treatment of eczema in case of confirmed co-infection with Herpes simplex.

Famciclovir (eg Famvir, Famciclovir): available in tablet form, take orally 1500 mg (1 tablet) in a single dose. The drug is particularly effective when taken at the onset of symptoms (burning, pain, tingling, itching).
Valaciclovir (eg Talavir, Valtrex): take one tablet (2 g) every 12 hours; once again, it is good to start therapy from the first prodrome.

Immunosuppressants for the treatment of eczema: the use of these drugs for the treatment of eczema is not the first choice; it is in fact essential to carefully evaluate the possible side effects in the long term before starting a therapy.

Pimecrolimus (eg. Elidel cream): formulated in products for topical application, pimecrolimus is indicated for the treatment of atopic eczema of the face and neck, especially for children and young people between the ages of 2 and 16. therapy by applying the drug directly to the skin lesion, twice a day, until the symptoms disappear. If the symptoms do not subside within 6 weeks from the start of treatment, it is recommended to replace the drug. Do not administer the drug for long periods.
Tacrolimus (eg Protopic ointment, Advagraf, Modigraf): this drug is indicated both for the treatment of childhood and adult eczema. Start the therapy by applying the product (0.1%) twice a day, until the characteristic symptoms disappear. Therapy should be modulated if there is no response within 2 weeks of starting treatment with this drug.

It is recommended to regularly apply moisturizers and emollients, especially in the case of chronic eczema: these products, while not acting directly on the triggering cause, improve general symptoms such as skin irritation and cutaneous xerosis.
Here are some active ingredients used in emollient preparations to treat eczema: