If you have eczema, then you may use topical ointments and creams to soothe sensitive patches of the skin. While this does help to reduce the itching and irritation during a flareup, it does not stop the initial irritation from developing in the first place. However, some systematic treatments can help. These may be called below the skin or bodywide treatments, so keep reading to learn about a few of them.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids or glucocorticoids are oral medications that are taken to reduce inflammation. The medications are prescribed for chronic diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, and they may be helpful in treating severe cases of eczema when taken on a short-term basis. The medications will not only minimize irritation, itching, and inflammation, but they will also suppress the immune system. This will stop your body from attacking the epithelial cells of the dermis, leading to a reduction in rashes.
You should know that corticosteroids, like prednisone, must be prescribed by your doctor. So, it is up to your physician to decide whether your eczema condition is bad enough to warrant the use of the medication.
If you do decide to take an oral steroid, you should know that there are some side effects. You may gain some weight while taking the medication, and you also may experience an elevation in your blood sugar. Also, since the medication does suppress the immune system, you may be more susceptible to catching a virus.
Antihistamines
Histamine is a natural substance released by your body to cause inflammation. This inflammation will bring white blood cells, blood, oxygen, and nutrients to a damaged area of the body. This allows the healing process to begin, but it can also cause a great deal of discomfort, especially if you have a chronic inflammatory condition like eczema. This is partly due to the inflammatory cascade and the fact that histamine will cause you to itch.
To reduce the histamine in your body, you can take an oral antihistamine. You have the option of taking a first or second-generation medicine. First-generation drugs include Benadryl, and they will make you drowsy, so they are best for nighttime use. Second-generation pills include Zyrtec and Claritin.
There are many different antihistamines on the market and you may need to try a few to see which one works for you. Also, you do not need to take the medicine every day. You can wait until you feel the inflammation and itching starting.
If you want to know more about eczema and below-the-skin eczema treatments that can help to reduce inflammation and itching, speak with a doctor.