Corticosteroid Creams and Ointments For Eczema Treatment

Corticosteroid medications are often prescribed for eczema treatment because these are derivatives of something we naturally produce in our adrenal glands. They can help us manage the inflammation, especially in the case of eczema.

There are two ways that this medication is given; topically or orally. When we say topically, it is applied to the skin and then absorbed through the skin by the body.

Once applied, this class of medication stops the skin cells from producing various forms of inflammation that are released when they come into contact with an allergen or irritation. Thus, you are able to reduce the inflammation and in some cases relieve the itchiness.

Examples of topical corticosteroids for eczema include betamethasone, fluticasone, hydrocortisone and mometasone. These are available in creams, lotions and ointments which can be purchased over the counter.

It must be pointed out that there are usually four different strengths for these topical corticosteroids namely mild, moderate, potent and very potent. Hydrocortisone is used for mild and moderate cases of eczema while the others are used in potent and very potent cases of this skin condition.

In some cases, you will need to use one or two different types for different parts of the body. When you have to use them, remember that the more potent they are, the shorter the time that you should use them to avoid suffering from side effects.

The most common side effect is a thinning of the skin which usually results in permanent stretch marks later on. Your blood vessels may also swell and become prominent under the skin’s surface. You may even look like you were in a fight because these may appear like bruises. This is why doctors rarely recommend this method to patients when the skin is already inflamed.

In rare cases, the use of corticosteroids may cause growth suppression or adrenal suppression. You have to remember that these substances are also naturally produced in the body  so using them as a treatment could possibly alter the balance of these chemicals in your system.

Children are at a higher risk of experiencing these side effects. To prevent this from happening, they should be monitored by a trained dermatologist.

To reduce the risk of side effects, you should use corticosteroid creams or ointments that are the least potent.  When you apply them to your skin, make sure that they are confined only to the area where the skin disease is present. If this is prescribed by your doctor, make sure that this is only applied once or twice a day, or as your doctor advises.

When eczema is finally under control, stop using these medications.  Just use moisturizers to prevent flare ups from taking place. Corticosteroid creams or ointments can only reduce the symptoms, they cannot make the eczema go away.

Although corticosteroid creams and ointments are common, you should be aware that women who are pregnant should never use them. Studies have shown that using this medication could endanger the fetus and result in abnormalities in the developing baby. They are also not safe for nursing mothers because the child will receive the steroids in the mother’s milk.

It is important that if you have this skin disorder, you should ask your doctor before using this class of medication. He can also recommend other, safer forms of eczema treatment like light therapy or wet wrap therapy.

Related posts:

1. Available Eczema Treatments
2. How to Deal with Eczema
3. Different Methods For Treatment Of Eczema
4. Side Effects of Corticosteroids When Treating Eczema
5. Conventional vs. Natural Eczema Remedies