Skin eczema is a chronic condition that affects many people around the world, causing noticeable itching and irritation. While there is no definitive cure for this condition, significant progress has been made in recent years in the area of available treatments, allowing patients the option to obtain effective relief for their symptoms. In this article, we will explore a range of treatment options, including topical medications, injections, and holistic therapies, while highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each. We will help you understand which options may be most suitable for you based on the severity of your condition and its location. Let us explore together the available ways that may help you manage eczema and improve your quality of life.
Topical Eczema Treatments
Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, itchy patches that occur as a result of a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Most doctors begin treatment using medications applied to the surface of the skin. These topical treatments tend to be less intensive compared to oral medications, meaning they have fewer side effects, as they target only the affected area without impacting the body as a whole. Among the options your doctor may consider are topical treatments like corticosteroids.
If you suffer from mild eczema, topical creams with low-dose corticosteroids may be the best option for you. They are often applied once or twice daily for a duration of two to four weeks. These treatments effectively reduce inflammation and redness, helping to relieve itching and pain, and assisting the skin in its recovery. For example, most patients who have used steroids reported significant improvement compared to those who used placebo treatments. It is advisable that the amount used is equivalent to what can cover the tip of your finger, as this quantity can cover a skin area the size of an adult’s palm.
There are different types of corticosteroids that a dermatologist can prescribe based on the severity and location of the condition. For instance, ointments are the most effective as they are composed of a fatty base, making them ideal for use in dry areas. Creams are considered less effective but are more cosmetically acceptable. Lotions contain a greater amount of water and may be drier, while gels dry quickly and work well on hairy areas.
It is important to monitor the use regularly and under medical supervision, as the long-term side effects may include thinning of the skin and the appearance of stretch marks. Some citations mention the use of higher potency topical steroids in areas such as the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, where intense treatment is required.
Injectable Treatments
When topical treatments fail to adequately relieve eczema symptoms, injectable treatments can be a subsequent step. The drug “Dupixent” (dupilumab) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2017, and this treatment falls under the category known as biological medications. This drug works by reducing the activity of specific proteins called interleukins IL-4 and IL-13, which play a crucial role in causing eczema. Dupixent prevents these proteins from binding to cell receptors, thereby reducing the overreaction by the immune system.
Studies have shown that more than half of patients with moderate to severe eczema who used this treatment for 16 weeks experienced significant improvement in their symptoms. This opens a new door of hope for many patients who have long suffered from increased symptoms and deterioration of their skin condition. The use of Dupixent results in a substantial reduction in itching and improved overall quality of life for patients.
Additionally, injectable treatments are an important option for individuals who do not wish to or cannot use topical treatments for an extended period due to side effects or resistance. These treatments offer a different approach that helps manage eczema by targeting the immune pathways responsible for exacerbating the symptoms.
Medications
Systemic Eczema
In addition to topical and injectable treatments, there are also options for systemic medications that can be effective for individuals with severe eczema. This class of medications includes immunomodulators that inhibit the immune response in general. The use of these medications requires careful medical evaluations, considering the potential opportunities and side effects they may pose.
For example, calcineurin inhibitors may be used as alternative treatments, targeting specific mechanisms in the immune system. These treatments are applied topically in certain cases or given orally and work effectively to alleviate symptoms.
Doctors may choose to use medications such as “Eucrisa” (crisaborole), a PDE4 inhibitor that has been praised for its ability to rapidly reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that these treatments demonstrate significant effectiveness in reducing symptoms during the treatment period, reflecting a promising trend in the world of dermatological therapies. Choosing the appropriate treatment is a fundamental part of the eczema management plan and requires careful assessments to achieve effective outcomes.
Medication Treatment for Skin Diseases
Over the years, the field of dermatological disease treatment, such as eczema, has seen remarkable progress in medical advancements and improved available treatments. Previous options focused primarily on immunosuppressant medications, making them burdened with serious side effects. For instance, the emergence of a drug like dupilumab represents a radical change in the way eczema is treated, offering a treatment option for people aged six and older. This medication is highly effective but is still used as a second-line treatment, meaning it is prescribed only to individuals whose conditions have not responded to other medications. This treatment is marked by its high cost, reaching $37,000 annually without insurance, making it inaccessible for many. Known side effects of dupilumab include redness at the injection site and some rare risks like conjunctivitis and cold sores.
Oral Medications for Eczema Treatment
Oral medications that treat eczema in its severe forms acknowledge that there are several types, considered systemic medications because they enter the bloodstream and affect the body as a whole. The first of these categories is immunosuppressants. A dermatologist may prescribe powerful medications like methotrexate and cyclosporine if the condition is critical. Despite their effectiveness, they carry many health risks such as high blood pressure and kidney damage. Therefore, it is wise to avoid using them for prolonged periods. Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone are an available option for patients who need rapid treatment, especially during emergencies. However, doctors warn against using it for extended periods due to potential side effects, including high blood pressure and weight gain. Oral antibiotics are also considered essential for treating infections that may accompany eczema, especially when there are risk factors such as scratches.
Janus Kinase Inhibitors for Eczema Treatment
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors represent a new class of treatments that have shown promising results in managing eczema cases. This includes medications like Cibinqo, Opzelura, and Rinvoq. These drugs are designed to target specific pathways involved in the inflammatory response, reducing itching, redness, and the appearance of skin lesions. There has been progress in studies showing how JAK inhibitors can provide significant relief from eczema symptoms. However, these medications also carry serious side effects, which requires careful medical consultation before starting their use, especially in light of the warning measures requested by the Food and Drug Administration.
Choosing the Right Medication for Eczema
The choice of medication to accelerate eczema treatment depends on the severity of the condition and its location on the body. Discussions about potential options should be held with your dermatologist. Sometimes, a patient may need to try different medications until they find the most effective one. Doctors may need to adjust prescribed medications based on patient responses and the emergence of any side effects. Although the trial may require some time and patience, ultimately, a successful plan for managing eczema symptoms can be achieved. Patients should understand that treatment decisions are not final and that modifying the treatment plan is possible and available.
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Source: https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/eczema-medications
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