Other Topical Treatments For Eczema

There are other topical treatments for eczema. Here we discuss tar, antibiotics and anti itch treatments:

Tar

Tar can be used daily for one week out of every month. This has been quite commonly used to give a break from the use of topical steroids. Now that there are newer non-steroid preparations available the use of tars may diminish. LCD 5-10% in hydrophilic petrolatum has certainly been an useful preparation in chronic thickened atopic dermatitis.

Antibiotics

Secondary infection as well as heavy colonization of the skin particularly with Staph aureus can worsen the eczema and may make it more difficult to respond to treatment until the bacterial component has been dealt with.

Localized patches of infected or resistant eczema may be treated in part by topical antibiotic creams and ointments. Mupirocin(Bactroban) or Fucidic acid(Fucidin) ointment have shown benefit.

A prolonged clinical improvement has been shown when Mupirocin is combined with a topical steroid.

Br J Dermatol 1988;119:189-98

Anti Itch Creams

Creams such as those containing Pramoxine or Doxepin which reduce the itch sensation can be of use. They are of most value for small areas of skin.Doxepin cream is absorbed and shows a sedating effect which can be helpful especially at bed time.

Topical antihistamines notably benadryl are available for the relief of itch. Whilst they may have some benefit there is a concern about developing allergic reactions to this product and likely should not be used.

Cutivate^® (Fluticasone propionate)

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INTRODUCTION
A synthetic fluorinated corticosteroid recently introduced to Canada but has been available in the U.S market for a number of years. Fluticasone propionate is classified as a medium potency topical corticosteroid... | Read more ...

CLININCAL EXPERIENCE
Topical corticosteroids are extensively used. Atopic eczema will be used as a model for discussing this new topical corticosteroid. A concern with the use of any long term medication is the potential for... | Read more ...

INDICATIONS
Used for all inflammatory and pruritic conditions that are corticosteroid responsive e.g. eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. It should not be used in rosacea, acne, or perioral dermatitis... Read more ...

PATIENT PROFILE
4 double blind randomized controlled studies in 772 adults and children showed the once the acute episode of moderate to severe eczema had been treated effectively that twice weekly... | Read more ...

DOSING
For the acute stage of eczema daily application of Cutivate is recommended. New evidence guides us to apply Cutivate twice a week to maintain control of eczema... | Read more ...

EFFICACY
Although not indicated for use on children in Canada, studies have shown that once daily application is safe and effective in children with atopic eczema... | Read more ...

COMPLIANCE
Daily application in the acute phase and thereafter twice weekly maintaince should help with compliance ... | Read more ...

SIDE EFFECTS, SAFETY AND RISKS
Approx 270 million packs sold since 1990 in US ... | Read more ...

COST OF TREATMENT
Cost of this drug is in line with other potent topical corticosteroids. Cost effectiveness is seen if effective clinical response is realized. The utilization of a twice a week regimen significantly reduces costs... | Read more ...

View the entire Cutivate® (Fluticasone propionate) presentation.