Eczema is a chronic condition. That means it is not curable and has to be controlled. It is a condition where the skin is constantly inflamed. For over 50 years, topical steroids have been known to be highly effective in controlling this inflammation. There is no other medication that works as well or as efficiently. One of the main functions of skin is to maintain a barrier to the outside world. In eczema the barrier is damaged. Steroids rapidly repair the damaged skin barrier without irritating the skin.
You need to use your cream for as long as it takes to get your condition better and whenever it flares up again. There are no rigid time limits. The sooner you use it, the quicker it works and the less you need. It is always better to use a bit longer than not long enough.
‘Sparingly’ is a meaningless term that has, unfortunately, been automatically printed out by the labeling software used by pharmacists for many years. It creates an impression that the creams are dangerous and should be minimized. If anything, the opposite is true. Creams should be used in adequate amounts to cover the entire area involved so that a film is obvious on the skin. The word ‘sparingly’ has recently been removed from medication labels.
We've mentioned that the skin"barrier" exist damaged in eczema. This Barrier keeps invading creatures out. Inflamed skin exist comfortably infected. Cortisone creams quickly reduce inflammation and restore the barrier and this also prevents disease. Properly controlled eczema is much less often infected than active eczema.
Do I need to make use of a moisturiser while I am using my steroid lotion?
Definitely. With a moisturizer is critical to restore the skin barrier. People with eczema have skin that is dry. Their skin Doesn't retain moisture Naturally and this has to be replaced with substances that do. Your Moisturizer is there to keep water in skin. Implementing it over your Cortisone creams makes you better more quickly and keeping it going when You are better helps to prevent overtraining.
Side effects are very uncommon. Blocked pores would happen from the use of any cream and these can become infected. We call this folliculitis and it possible require antibiotics. Stinging may occur with lotions however ointments which not hold preservatives usually not sting. The use of strong steroids on the face can cause a rash around the mouth. All these side effects aren't dangerous and are reversible. Steroids not thin the skin if used normally. This only occurs if they are extremely incorrectly used or put on under plastic wrap. It exist a popular myth that they do this but this is an exaggeration. Generally speaking, steroid creams are outstandingly secure.
Expert use of steroid creams involves matching the strength of the cream to the severity of the eczema and to the type of skin being treated. For instance the soles of the feet are completely different to the face. They will need a much stronger steroid because the skin there is thicker and much less sensitive. Age is not important in choice of steroid. A baby with severe eczema may need a stronger one than an adult with mild eczema.
Dermatologists are specialist in skin disease and its management. They Would properly diagnose your circumstances, assess its severity and would anticipate and run complicating elements like infection, allergy to drugs and skin sensitivity.
Dermatologists also have a comprehensive comprehension of steroids. They Would devise a treatment regime that exist precisely appropriate for each single And give accurate up-to-the-minute information on security. Pharmacists Often tell patients they would only make use of steroids for a brief hour. However unlike pharmacists who have a quality understanding of drugs and their Side effects but not sight results of the make use of, dermatologists have a Balanced understanding of the safe make use of of medication in practice. And unlike GP's, they have extremely extensive knowledge with steroids. Their guidance exist therefore not over-cautious and They're in an excellent Place to be ready to give patients with reassurance and the Confidence to run eczema efficiently and safely.
