Side Effects of Corticosteroids When Treating Eczema

There really is no known cure for eczema. An eczema treatment can only lessen the symptoms of this skin disease. What are these symptoms? Constant itching, redness, swelling, scaling and thickening of the affected skin areas are the most common. However, the symptoms experienced vary from one person to another, as well as where on the body eczema is located.

One of the best interventions for someone with eczema is to prevent the development of symptoms by avoiding exposure to triggering factors. The mildest symptoms may of course be easily remedied by moisturizers and compresses, which are great for preventing skin dryness and itching. But once skin inflammation is present, such remedies may become less effective in delivering the needed relief.

The worst of eczema symptoms may be effectively managed by anti-inflammatory agents, such as steroid-based corticosteroids. Whether in prescription or nonprescription forms, corticosteroids are a widely used treatment for eczema. What are corticosteroids? They are related to a hormone naturally produced by the body, which is essential for the reduction of the body’s natural inflammatory response. Since the mid-1950’s, corticosteroids have been used to treat many inflammatory skin diseases, including eczema.

Different Forms of Corticosteroids

There are several forms in which corticosteroids are utilized for the treatment of eczema. They may be in topical forms, the kind of preparations that are applied to the skin — ointments, lotions, creams and foams. These kinds of corticosteroids preparations are often used for mild to moderate inflammation of the eczematous skin. For severe cases, doctors often prescribe oral and injected forms of corticosteroids. These forms are the last resort — when the topical preparations fail to alleviate the symptoms. They are not recommended for use by pregnant women afflicted with eczema. Studies have shown that certain birth defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate may be linked to the use of systemic corticosteroids during pregnancy.

Potential Side Effects of Corticosteroids

Many people suffering from eczema and their families are apprehensive about the use of corticosteroids because of the potential side effects associated with the treatment. However, such fear may be lessened by working with a highly knowledgeable doctor who has prescribed the treatment before to other patients, and achieved satisfactory results.

Still, as with any other treatment that deals with conventional medicines, no matter how effective it is, side effects can be a major concern. Research revealed that side effects of corticosteroids are related to the dosage and potency of the prescription. Also, the mode of administration — topical, oral or systemic — as well as the length of treatment, patient’s age, and the site of the eczematous skin all contribute to the gravity of the side effects.

Corticosteroid side effects include:

Cataract – May be the result of high dosages of corticosteroids and topical application around the eye area for a long period of time.
Glaucoma – This results from topical application of corticosteroids near or around the eye area, as well as when administered systemically.
Nausea and vomiting – Found to result from taking oral preparations of corticosteroids. Such effects can be curtailed by taking the medication with food.
Osteoporosis – Loss of bone density, especially among female patients who are undergoing long-term treatment.
Skin effects – May include the development of stretch marks, acne, rashes, infections, and dilatation of blood vessels when corticosteroids are applied topically.

The key to safe and effective eczema treatment using corticosteroids is by using them under the supervision of a doctor. It is important that the doctor keeps a watchful eye on the patients during treatment.

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