Azathioprine & Eczema

Hi, I have chronic eczema. My dermatologist put me on meds azathioprine being one of them the others are fatty ointment, tablets to control the itchness. This is the first time that I am on such medication(azathioprine) & am following the daily doses. But I do not see a change, it it drying up  & thats it . It does feel itchy she also prescribed something fot that, What does the azathioprine do? Should it be used in conjunction with a topical steroid cream /ointment?

[Mark1988]

Hiya Suie,

First off the azathioprine is an immunosuppressant drug primarily used for liver or kidney transplant patients, but sometimes used to treat eczema, psoriases etc. Azathioprine and Cyclosporin reduce the production of 'T-cells' which are part of our immune cells T-cells are thought to work in disharmony with the immune system resulting in skin conditions. Azathioprine and Cyclosporin work for some people and don't work for others.

Yes, you can use topical steroid creams such as hydrocortisones and betnovate creams alike. Most steroid creams reduce the inflammation and redness of the skin ratehr than working in disharmony with the immunosuppressant drug you have been given. You need to give time for the Azathioprine to take effect, it could take a few weeks. Just be patient.  

[sj86]

i have been battling eczema for over 4 years now. and most of that time i have not been able to bend my fingers. i have gone to dermatologists several times and all they have given me were steroids.
then i got fed up and decided to see what a naturopathic doctor said. she tested me for bodily imbalances and found that my yeast levels were really high. so i went on a diet free from yeast and sugars and it actually began to change for the better! for the first time in 4 years!
i have been doing TONS of research on the effects of yeast and eczema.. and through that i have found TONS of information that backs this "diagnosis" up. i have other symptoms such as fatigue, digestive problems, etc.. and they are all tied up with candida infections. please check out http://www.womantowomen.com and click to their info on yeast/candida and digestive information. this has pinpointed ALL of my symptoms into a very concise and user-friendly format.
i READILY suggest looking into the yeast infections issue. and if you notice a difference then you will know. but DON'T use your steroid cream/spray/gel whatsoever until you see if it caused by yeast. steroids cause yeast growth and so do antibiotics. id you have any other questions, let me know.