Topical Therapy for Eczema
Access support & treatments close to home, no matter where you live. Providing access to specialist plans and treatments such as topical therapy for eczema outside of capital cities.
Eczema Topical Therapy
Access support & treatments close to home, no matter where you live. Providing access to specialist plans and treatments outside of capital cities.
Topical Therapy for Eczema
Topical therapy is the first line treatment and maintenance for eczema patients. Read more about different types of topical therapies below. Your dermatologist or GP will guide you through the use of prescription medications if required for you.
There are a number of medications available in this group, and they work by different pathways to suppress your immune system, reduce inflammation and itch, and improve your overall quality of life. Your specialist will be able to provide you with more information about these medications if they are required.
Over The Counter Topicals
As your skin barrier is compromised, the moisture leaks out of your skin like a sieve! The only way to keep the moisture in is to keep moisturising your skin. A good moisturising cream without any irritants such as fragrances (which are likely to make your eczema worse!), applied frequently, must be the cornerstone of treatment for all eczema patients.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Don’t underestimate how this will help you control eczema.
Topical Immunomodulators
Topical immunomodulators are non-steroidal creams, particularly useful for longer term use, sensitive areas ands children.
If topical treatment is not effective for managing your eczema, UVB phototherapy is the next line of treatment option that is an excellent option for many who have resistant eczema.
Corticosteroid Prescriptions
Your GP or specialist dermatologist can prescribe corticosteroids to reduce your eczema flares, which should be used early, and as prescribed, to avoid progression of your eczema.
The efficacy of steroid creams will depend upon the potency of the steroid, the duration of time it is used for, they type and severity of the flare and compliance with application of the steroid creams (6). In short, if you have a flare, the best outcomes for you will be to use your steroid as prescribed early and consistently.
The dosage can be mild, medium or high strength and will depend upon your age, the extent of your eczema and the location on your body that it occurs. For example, a high strength corticosteroid cannot be used in your groin, flexural areas and close to your eyes; however. it would be appropriate for the main areas of your body where your skin is thicker, for example your arms, legs and trunk.
Similarly, a mild corticosteroid would be prescribed for children less than one year old, but would not have the best outcomes for older patients experiencing a strong flare of eczema.
The prescribed use of corticosteroid creams is important to follow correctly and fully, as it will help reduce your eczema and will minimise the chances of developing widespread severe eczema (8).
Always consult your prescribing practitioner to understand what is the best corticosteroid to manage your specific eczema.
For moderate to severe flares, the usual recommendation for adults is to use high strength steroid for 2 weeks as prescribed, and not in flexural areas. This will bring the flare back under control, which can then be maintained by intermittent use of a low dose corticosteroid on any persistent plaques (6), and consistent home care (moisturising being the most important!).
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