Steroids

Education Resource Center: Topical, Prescription, Steroid-Free Options for Eczema

There are 2 topical prescription eczema drugs that do not contain steroids. These are called topical immunomodulators or TIMs. Both are effective in treating the itch and rash of eczema. Neither causes certain side effects, such as thinking of the skin (atophy), or stretch marks (striae), spider veins or discoloration of the skins.

One of them is Elidel® (pimecrolimus). Elidel is a steroid-free cream for patients aged 2 years and older who have mild-to-moderate eczema.
The other topical immunomodulator is Protopic® (tacrolimus). It is a steroid-free ointment for patients aged 2 years and

Education Resource Center: Using Topical Prescription Steroids

Topical steroids are commonly prescribed to treat eczema. Steroids come in many strengths – low, mid, high, and ultra-high.

Topical Corticosteroids: Myths & Facts

Topical corticosteroids have been used extensively for over 50 years to treat various inflammatory skin conditions. Without a doubt, they remain one of the most valuable currently available treatments, and if used properly, can control symptoms and restore patients’ quality of life.

Education Resource Center: Using Prescription Creams and Ointments

People with eczema often need prescription medications to control their symptoms. If you are using prescription drugs to treat your eczema, it is important to talk with your doctor about how to use them properly and what you should expect from them.

Dyshidrotic Eczema?

My daughter, age 3½, has recurring blistering on the bottom of her left foot. We have been to two dermatologists and they believe she has dyshidrotic eczema. She has nothing on her hands or her right foot, just the left foot. She was given a steroid cream called Cutivate that seems to help when the eczema flares up, but I did not get any information on possible prevention or things I can do to help.

How often should I be applying topical steroids?

Q:  How often should I be applying topical steroids?

A:  Topical corticosteroids are a mainstay of eczema therapy. Sadly, results are often suboptimal because of steroid phobia and mistakes in applying the steroids. The drugs are safe if we focus on two crucial factors: Frequency and Duration.

Here are some suggestions for proper use of topical corticosteroids:
* Apply to hydrated skin (after bath, shower or wet compresses).
* Generally speaking, and based on your doctor’s directions, begin with twice daily applications for durations of NO more than 3 days for face, eyelids, neck and folds 7 to

What do I need to know to use topical steroids correctly?

Q:  Sometimes I don’t follow my doctor’s directions concerning my eczema and steroid medications. What do I need to know to use topical steroids correctly?

A:  Managing eczema is confusing; details are important. Doctors complain that patients don’t follow advice. Probably just as often, patients don’t understand what was advised. It’s best to plan a follow-up visit one to two weeks after a steroid is prescribed to clarify instructions and enhance control of eczema if possible. Ask questions and demand clear answers.

Here are some common mistakes to be aware of in topical steroid therapy:
* Not

My doctor prescribed topical steroids for my eczema, but I am concerned about using them?

Q:  My doctor prescribed topical steroids for my eczema, but I am concerned about using them. Any suggestions?

A:  Topical corticosteroids are often the only reasonable therapy for controlling eczema. They are very effective and, if used properly, very safe. A major reason for failure is when there is an inappropriate prescription of low-potency steroids and the starting and stopping of regimens that never really control and stabilize the inflammation.

Education Resource Center: Topical, Prescription, Steroid-free Options

There are 2 topical prescription eczema drugs that do not contain steroids. These are called topical immunomodulators or TIMs. Both are effective in treating the itch and rash of eczema.

Doctor Appointment Tips

Bring specific questions to your doctor, tailored to your needs (or your child's), such as...

Parenting Children with Eczema: Beneath the Surface

Excerpted from a presentation by Joanna Hamilton, at the 2010 National Eczema Association Patient Conference. Mrs. Wyoming 2009, Joanna shares her experiences as a parent of children with eczema.

Gluten Allergy

I decided to try a gluten-free diet. Now, my hands are almost completely clear and have been that way for the year and a half that I have followed the diet. If I accidentally eat gluten, my eczema will be back in about three days (but not as severe). As difficult as it was at the beginning to avoid gluten, it has been completely worth it and has become just part of life.

Best Habits for Six-Year-Old Son

My six-year-old has experienced moderate to severe eczema since he was four weeks old. The worst of times seemed to be when he was 18 months to three and a half years old.

What else should I do for 7-month old Baby?

Q: I have a 7-month-old baby girl with severe eczema. We have been doing bleach baths two to three times per week, daily and sometimes two-times-a-day baths followed by 2.5 percent hydrocortisone cream and Aquaphor. I hate using the hydrocortisone on her.

Steroids, Coal Tar Shampoo for Severe hand Eczema

I soaked my hands in one quart of water mixed with four capfuls of a coal tar shampoo for a half hour EVERY night for six weeks. After soaking, I would rinse and pat my hands dry, and then I would apply a steroid ointment and cover my hands with white cotton gloves.