Monday, July 10, 2006
Medications Commonly Used In Eczema Treatment
The following medications are most commonly used to treat eczema: Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine which is used to help decrease the amount of itching. These medications may cause drowsiness. Some new antihistamines are also available that do not cause drowsiness; Topical steroid creams used to help to decrease the inflammation in the skin, thus decreasing the itching and swelling. Many topical steroids in various strengths are available. Steroids, if overused, are potentially damaging to the skin. Other options include oral antibiotics; oral cyclosporine designed to suppress the immune system; phototherapy; topical immunomodulators which are a new class of drugs for the treatment of eczema. These drugs are used topically to alter the immune response.
The Three Phases Of Eczema
Eczema runs its course through three distinct phases: acute, sub acute, and chronic. Symptoms associated with the acute stage of eczema include pain, heat, tenderness, and possible itching. The affected areas are characterized by extreme redness and drainage at the lesion site .The sub acute phase of eczema includes symptoms associated with skin redness and crusting; however, there is no extreme swelling. People in the sub acute phase tend to complain about the symptom of itching more than the pain. Individuals with lesions developed over three months are referred to as having chronic eczema. Itching is a predominant symptom in this phase as well and scratching causes the lesion to worsen. Individuals with atopic eczema will find that their symptoms tend to worsen in the winter months due to decreased humidity in the home or office.
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