Is an eczema cream the solution to your skin problem?
Using the right eczema cream can be an easy and effective way to manage eczema symptoms and achieve long-term relief. Eczema creams are a preferred treatment option particularly for young children - many other treatments may be unsuitable for them.
Coal Tar Cream
Coal tar cream is an example of an eczema cream that has been around for a long time. While topical steroids are a commonly used medication for eczema patients, coal tar cream is sometimes used to give the patients a break from continual use of steroid preparations. It may also be used in addition to steroids.
In most cases, coal tar eczema cream can be used safely on young children. However, it usually used only on small patches of skin. In addition, its use is restricted to one week in a month, although it can be used daily for a week.
New non-steroid based treatments are coming to the market and may soon replace coal tar eczema cream completely.
Emollient Creams
There are various creams based on emollients. Emollients are very effective at treating eczema and unlike steroids, do not create side effects. Emollients nourish the skin while helping to retain the skin's natural moisture. Emollient creams should be applied at least twice daily to hydrate the skin. Hydration prevents much of the skin damage caused by atopic dermatitis and other forms of eczema.
Aqueous Cream (UEA) is an example of an emollient eczema cream. Other emollients include Emulsifying Ointment (HEB), White Soft Paraffin, Diprobase / Lipobase with Cetomacrogol, Oilatum Cream, etc. Eczema affected skin sometimes becomes thickened - emollients can improve skin condition in such cases.
Some emollients like Oilatum Plus are meant for use in the bath and work well for many patients. An oatmeal based emollient called Aveeno has the ability to soothe dry, itchy skin. Balneum is based on soy oil and is an effective emollient as well.
Corticosteroids
In case of severe eczema flare ups, the patient may need to use corticosteroids to bring it under control. Steroid creams and cortisone creams are useful in these cases. However, an eczema cream containing steroids can be used only for a short period of time. In order to use it for longer durations, it must first be diluted in an emollient base.
Long-term use of steroids can thin the skin and result in an accelerated aging process. In most cases, steroids are used topically. Only in extremely rare cases are steroids injected or consumed orally to treat eczema. Newer types of steroids are under development that may carry significantly reduced risks than most in use today. Safer steroid products will be a major advancement in eczema treatment.
Antihistamines for Eczema
Apart from eczema cream treatment, doctors also prescribe antihistamines for patients with mild eczema. These medications can bring down disease symptoms like skin inflammation and redness in the affected areas. Cetirizine is an example of an antihistamine drug that does not produce adverse side effects even when used over relatively long periods of time. Benadryl is another such drug that is available as an over-the-counter medication. This drug helps to control many kinds of allergic responses.
The eczema cream remains a treatment of choice for young patients who cannot be administered many other kinds of medication. The ease of use and effectiveness of this type of treatment ensures that it continues to be popular.