Steroids
When eczema is under control then only moisturisers (emollients) need to be used. However when the skin becomes inflamed, a steroid treatment may be necessary. Steroids help to reduce inflammation and itching. Your GP or dermatologist will recommend a suitable steroid treatment programme. It is important for you to be carefully monitored whilst taking steroids for any length of time.
There are two types of steroids, topical and oral:
Topical
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Corticosteroids are widely used to treat skin conditions such as eczema. This form of treatment has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and come in the form of lotions, creams, ointments and solutions and in different strengths depending upon the severity of the skin disease. For mild to moderate ezcema, in the first instance, topical steroid therapy is used. Topical hydrocortisone is often prescribed and is a low strength. |
It is used on areas such as the skin folds where the skin tends to be sensitive. Your GP will prescribe the strength of steroid he/she feels is appropriate, and may need to prescribe stronger steroids if the eczema is moderate to severe.
Oral
Oral or injected forms of corticosteroids are usually only prescribed if the patients’ eczema is severe or if topical treatments have not worked.
You must discuss treatment options with your GP and/or dermatologist.
NICE Guidance
NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence which is part of the NHS) has launched a new page on their website that allows carers and members of the public to search for the versions of guidance that are written for them.
Until now, patients and the public have had to look through the individual pieces of NICE guidance in order to identify the relevant patient versions.
The new web page allows users to find all of the understanding NICE guidance and quick reference guides in one place. This will make it much easier for patients to find the information they want.
For NICE Guidelines about eczema just follow this link - when the new window opens simply type in the word eczema in the 'find text' box and then select skin in the 'health topic box'. All the relevant guidance for eczema will then be displayed so you can easily select the information you are looking for.
Find out more information about Protopic - a topical ointment applied to the skin, for treating moderate to severe eczema.
Find out more information about Elidel - a new
anti-inflammatory steroid-free cream specifically developed for treating mild to
moderate atopic eczema.
Information written by the talkhealth panel
Last Reviewed: 21 January 2011
Next Review Date: 29 September 2013
