by Badash M

This article can give you a general idea about each of the medicines listed below. Only the most general side effects are listed. Ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use medicine as recommended by your doctor. If you have questions about use or side effects, contact your doctor.

Prescription Medications

Topical corticosteroids , such as:

  • Triamcinolone
  • Hydrocortisone valerate
  • Clobetasol
  • Fluticasone propionate

Nonsteroidal immunomodulators

  • Topical pimecrolimus
  • Topical tacrolimus
  • Topical crisaborole
  • Oral cyclosporine
  • Oral azathioprine

Antibiotics

  • Cephadroxil
  • Dicloxacillin

Antihistamines

  • Hydroxyzine
  • Levocetirizine

Prescription Moisturizers

  • Atopiclair
  • Epicream

Prescription or Over-the-Counter Medications

Antihistamines

  • Diphenhydramine
  • Hydroxyzine
  • Clemastine
  • Cetirizine
  • Loratadine

Prescription Medications

Corticosteroids

Common names are:

  • Triamcinolone
  • Hydrocortisone valerate
  • Prednisone (oral)
  • Clobetasol

Corticosteroids are a type of steroid medicine. They are used to help ease swelling, itching, and redness of skin. They are usually used applied to the skin as creams or ointments.

Some problems may be:

  • Thinning of the skin
  • Skin infections
  • Stretch marks on the skin
Nonsteroidal Topical Immunomodulators

Common names are:

  • Tacrolimus
  • Pimecrolimus
  • Topical crisaborole
  • Ruxolitinib

These medicines are applied to the skin. They are used short-term to long-term treatment of mild to moderate eczema. They may be used on all parts of the body. This includes areas where steroids are not usually advised long term. Examples are the face, neck, and skin folds.

Some problems may be mild warmth, burning, or itching.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are prescribed for eczema that leads to a skin infection. These medicines may be given by mouth or put on the skin. They may be given by IV for severe infections that need hospital care. The type of drug and dosage depends on the skin infection.

Prescription or Over-the-Counter Medications

Antihistamines

Common names include:

  • Hydroxyzine
  • Diphenhydramine
  • Clemastine

Nonprescription antihistamines are sometimes used short term. They may help treat sleep loss due to itching.

Some problems may be:

  • Unwanted sleepiness
  • Dry mouth, nose, or throat

Special Considerations

When taking medicine:

  • Take your medicine as advised. Do not change the amount or schedule.
  • Be aware of the side effects of your medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any.
  • Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medicine.
  • Do not share your prescription medicine.
  • Medicines can be harmful when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one. This includes over the counter products and supplements.
  • Plan for refills.

References

Atopic dermatitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/atopic-dermatitis . Accessed March 22, 2022.

Eczema and atopic dermatitis. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/eczema-and-atopic-dermatitis/?adfree=true. Accessed March 22, 2022.

Eczema. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/eczema%5Fatopic%5Fdermatitis.html. Accessed March 22, 2022.

Eczema. National Eczema Association website. Available at: http://nationaleczema.org/eczema. Accessed March 22, 2022.

Papp K, Szepietowski JC, et al. Efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib cream for the treatment of atopic dermatitis: Results from 2 phase 3, randomized, double-blind studies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021;85(4):863-872.

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