Question

Can anyone tell me of medications used to cure or semi-cure eczema?

Answer 1

Antihistamines: Antihistamines are given to reduce the itchiness associated with eczema.

Skin Barrier Repair Moisturizers: This type of moisturizers work better than your average daily moisturizers. They are designed to rebuild the skin, while reducing water loss. They also help to reduce burning and itching that associate with eczema. You can find some of skin barrier repair moisturizers over-the-counter, while others require a prescription. Many of the over-the-counter variety contain ceramide, which is a lipid that occurs naturally in the outer layer of skin to assist the skin to form a protective barrier. Skin barrier repair moisturizers help reduce itchiness, dryness, and the thickening of the skin.



Tacrolimus ointment: Tacrolimus ointment is a prescription oilment. Tacrolimus is in a class of medications called topical calcineurin inhibitors. This oilment stops the immune system from producing substances that might cause eczema.

Coal Tar: Coal tar helps to sooth inflamed skin, control itchiness and flaking. Although it is unpleasant to smell and easily stains, it is effective in treating eczema.

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. They are the most common eczema medications. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation rapidly. Corticosteroids are applied topically, by pill, liquid, or given through a shot. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking corticosteroids as there are certain conditions in which you should not take them. You can find Corticosteroids under brand name Cortaid and Cortisone 10.



Cyclosporine: Cyclosporine is used to treat severe and stubborn cases of atopic eczema. It works by suppressing certain white blood cells (the T cells), in turn it stops the over-reacting of the immune system and decreases flare ups. There are severe risk associated with this eczema medication, including cancer, tiredness, tingling and burning of arms and legs, abdominal discomfort, and headache. There is no topical form of the drug. Cyclosporine is taken in liquid or capsule form.

Interferon Gamma: Interferon Gamma is used to treat unremitting and severe eczema. It works by stimulating the body’s immune system. Individuals with atopic eczema produce less interferon gamma then regular people. Patients tend to have decreased amounts of redness, swelling, itching and dryness and the other symptoms associated with eczema after taking inferferon gamma. This treatment is given by injection.



Mycophenolate Mofetil: Mycophenolate Mofetil is used for moderate to severe cases of eczema. It suppress the immune system to prevent immune system from over reacting, which leads to atopic eczema breakouts. This medication can be taken by injection, capsules, tablets and in liquid form.

Phototherapy: When a doctor prescribe phototherapy to a patient, they expose to UV (ultraviolet) light for a controlled period of time. Two types are used to treat eczema, which are UV light therapy and chemophototherapy (PUVA).
Phototherapy is used to treat moderate to severe Atopic dermatitis and Contact dermatitis. It also helps to cure eczema related bacteria infections, as well as significantly decrease the need for the use of topical corticosteroids. However, phototherapy does have risk, UV light contributes to skin cancer and age the skin prematurely.

There are many new eczema medications and treatments available to fight eczema. Despite all the new products, steroids are still used most often. Talk to your doctors about these alternate eczema medications and treatments, especially when you are currently getting poor results. One of the above might just work for you. Remember be informed and don’t give up. There are also many natural remedies you can find on the market that might help you fight this skin disorder.

Answer 2

Thanks mrsbrandnew that was very informative. Anyone else want to take a stab at it?

Answer 3

are you having eczema?
what is the extent of it?
what are the symptoms you are having?
where are you having it?
If it is a real problem , you need to consult a dermatologist/physician....rather than taking help from internet.
If it is mild one use calamine lotion along with an oral antihistamine like Cetrizine.

Answer 4

I do have eczema. It's not as bad as when i was younger. I have a doctor that prescribed some ointments i just need a refill. I wanted to see if anyone had any info on it that i hadn't yet heard.

Answer 5

usually prescribed medications contain a steroid, anti-fungal and an antibiotic. The combination can vary.
If you are having a mild one you might be using a less potent topical steroid like betamethasone/hydrocortisone.
Mometasone/clobetasol di propionate etc are other prescribed potent topical steroids.
If it is worse oral steroids are also given along with antihistaminics.

Answer 6

topical steroids are the mainstay of treatment. there are several different strengths for topical steroids and physicians usually try a step-wise treatment plan. once an eczema flare is calmed down, a maintenance prescription is used to keep the eczema controlled.

Answer 7

I've had eczema sine I was little and steroids werent extremely helpful to me. Most topical steroids should only be used 2 weeks at a time for extreme breakouts of eczema. They are not recommended for long term use
Aveno baby lotion with oats worked well for me, it made it less red and itchy. Also for a more natural remedy you could use a chamomile based lotion, since it is a calming herb that works great for treating eczema.