Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of corticosteroid creams and ointments in treating eczema?
What is the purpose of corticosteroid creams and ointments in treating eczema?
Which age group is suitable for the prescription of calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus and pimecrolimus?
Which age group is suitable for the prescription of calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus and pimecrolimus?
What is the primary function of calcineurin inhibitors in treating eczema?
What is the primary function of calcineurin inhibitors in treating eczema?
Which treatment option for eczema involves exposure to ultraviolet (UV) waves?
Which treatment option for eczema involves exposure to ultraviolet (UV) waves?
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How do corticosteroid creams and ointments work to alleviate eczema symptoms?
How do corticosteroid creams and ointments work to alleviate eczema symptoms?
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Which topical medication is particularly useful for treating eczema in sensitive areas like the face and eyelids?
Which topical medication is particularly useful for treating eczema in sensitive areas like the face and eyelids?
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What is the purpose of biologics like dupilumab and tralokinumab-ldrm in treating eczema?
What is the purpose of biologics like dupilumab and tralokinumab-ldrm in treating eczema?
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Which type of medication is used to manage severe eczema by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation?
Which type of medication is used to manage severe eczema by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation?
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What is the function of emollients in treating eczema?
What is the function of emollients in treating eczema?
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Which type of treatment may promote transepidermal penetration of topical glucocorticoids for skin barrier recovery in eczema?
Which type of treatment may promote transepidermal penetration of topical glucocorticoids for skin barrier recovery in eczema?
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What is the primary purpose of oral Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors in treating moderate to severe eczema?
What is the primary purpose of oral Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors in treating moderate to severe eczema?
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How do narrow-band UVB light treatments contribute to treating moderate to severe eczema?
How do narrow-band UVB light treatments contribute to treating moderate to severe eczema?
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Study Notes
Skin Eczema Treatments
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Although there is no cure for eczema, various treatments are available to help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of flare-ups. In this article, we will discuss the treatments for skin eczema, focusing on topical medications, systemic therapies, and home remedies.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin to provide localized relief for eczema symptoms. Some of the most common topical treatments include:
Corticosteroid Creams and Ointments
Corticosteroid creams and ointments are anti-inflammatory medications that help reduce inflammation, itching, and redness. They are available over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription, depending on the strength needed. These medications work by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation in the skin.
Calcineurin Inhibitors
Calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, are topical medications that suppress the immune system, helping to decrease inflammation and prevent flares. They are prescribed for patients aged ≥2 years and are particularly useful for treating eczema in sensitive areas, such as the face and eyelids.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy, or exposure to ultraviolet (UV) waves, is a treatment that may help manage moderate eczema. It can be used in combination with topical corticosteroids or other medications to treat moderate to severe eczema.
Oral Medications
Oral medications, such as systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, may be prescribed for short periods to treat severe eczema symptoms. However, these medications should only be used for a limited time, and patients should be monitored closely for potential side effects.
Biologics
Biologics, such as dupilumab (Dupixent) and tralokinumab-ldrm (Adbry), are targeted therapies that block specific proteins in the immune system that trigger inflammation. They are prescribed for patients with moderate to severe eczema and are approved by the FDA to treat eczema. However, they may cause side effects, which are usually mild and manageable.
Topical JAK Inhibitors and PDE4 Inhibitors
Topical JAK inhibitors (ruxolitinib cream) and PDE4 inhibitors (crisaborole ointment) are also approved by the FDA to help treat eczema.
Systemic Therapies
For moderate to severe eczema, systemic therapies may be necessary to control symptoms. These therapies include:
Oral Immunomodulators
Oral immunomodulators, such as methotrexate, mycophenolate, and azathioprine, can help manage severe eczema. They work by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Oral Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors
Oral JAK inhibitors, such as upadacitinib and abrocitinib, are prescribed for patients with moderate to severe eczema who do not respond to topical treatments or phototherapy.
Narrow-band UVB Light Treatment
Phototherapy, specifically narrow-band UVB light treatment, can also be used to treat moderate to severe eczema.
Home Remedies
In addition to medical treatments, there are several home remedies that may help alleviate eczema symptoms:
Emollients
Emollients, such as moisturizers, should be applied on the skin at least twice a day, including unaffected skin. They work by improving skin barrier function and reducing itchiness.
Barrier Repair Moisturizers
Barrier repair moisturizers help to reduce water loss and repair damaged skin. They should be applied within 3 minutes of bathing to lock in moisture.
Wet Dressing
Wet dressing can promote the transepidermal penetration of topical glucocorticoids and help with skin barrier recovery, especially for acute oozing lesions.
Identification and Elimination of Aggravating Factors
Identifying and eliminating aggravating factors, such as irritants and allergens, can help reduce eczema symptoms.
Proper Cutaneous Hydration
Regular intermittent application of low potency steroids or topical calcineurin inhibitors can be helpful in managing eczema.
Education About Proper Cutaneous Hydration Methods
Education about proper cutaneous hydration methods is essential for patients to ensure they are using emollients correctly.
Avoiding Aggravating Factors
Physicians should help patients identify aggravating factors, such as soaps or detergents, chemicals, wool or nylon clothing, abnormal temperature/humidity, or sudden temperature changes, and advise on how to avoid them.
Wet Dressing
Wet dressing can reduce the chances of infection and promote the drying effect due to evaporation for oozing lesions.
Proper Use of Topical Medications
Patients should be educated on the proper use of topical medications, such as corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and other treatments, to ensure they are using them correctly.
In conclusion, there are various treatments available for skin eczema, ranging from topical medications to systemic therapies and home remedies. Each treatment option is designed to help manage eczema symptoms, reduce the risk of flare-ups, and improve overall skin health. It is essential for individuals with eczema to work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and concerns.
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Description
Explore various treatments available for managing skin eczema symptoms, including topical medications, systemic therapies, and home remedies. Learn about corticosteroid creams, calcineurin inhibitors, oral medications, biologics, phototherapy, and more. Understand the importance of personalized treatment plans in improving overall skin health.
