Over the counter treatment for mild eczema?

[marluc]

My daughter has a mild case of eczema on her upper arms and I don't make enough money to afford health care and I make "too much" to qualify for medicaid.  I wanted to know if I could buy something over the counter to treat this.  Thanks.  

[livestrong244]

Hello,

After years of searching for a Moisturizing antiseptic and anti-itch product for my son's eczema, we found it in the first aid aisle at Walgreen's: Safe4Hours first-aid antiseptic skin protectant. Because of the layer of protection my son doesn't itch and we have seen a real marked improvement in irritation.  It also continuously kills all of the bacteria that could cause infection for 4 hours. I am so excited that he finally has relief from all the itching. This may not work for all cases of eczema, but it was truly worked for us!

[psujem00]

As a child (5 yrs old), my dermatologist had me soak in Alpha Keri and not use soap.  He also prescribed Westcort (a higher strength cortisone cream than those available over the counter) to stop the itching, Atarax (an oral medicine to also help with the itching) and had me occasionally soak in Balnatar (sp?) a brown oil.  All were prescription except for the Alpha Keri (to my knowledge).  Pat dry after bathing, don't rub dry.  As I got older, I used Dove or Oil of Olay soap daily.  He now recommends that I use Cetaphil to bathe with if I flair up and Lubriderm to moisturize.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

'Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

They do not cure eczema, but are highly effective in controlling or suppressing symptoms in most cases.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

Light therapy using ultraviolet light can help control eczema. UVA is mostly used, but UVB and Narrow Band UVB are also used. Ultraviolet light exposure carries its own risks, particularly eventual skin cancer from exposure.

The first and primary recommendation is that people suffering from eczema shouldn't use detergents of any kind on their skin unless absolutely necessary.

Dermatological recommendations in choosing a soap generally include:[citation needed]

* Avoid harsh detergents or drying soaps
* Choose a soap that has an oil or fat base; a "superfatted" goat milk soap is best
* Use an unscented soap
* Patch test your soap choice, by using it only on a small area until you are sure of its results
* Use a non-soap based cleanser
* Use plain yogurt instead of soap'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema

Let us know if you need any further information.

Post us about how  she is doing and what the skin specialist advises.

Regards.

[Deeds]

I'd also avoid very hot baths or showers...I use Aveeno lotion for an occasional mild dryness (normally in the Winter)
Aveeno also sells hydrocotisone cream over the counter but, I'm not sure of it's use in a child...

[tmv]

I feel for you about the insurance probs as I have been there before. The ones in the middle get left out. I read that frequent moisturizing of the affected area and using otc hydrocortisone cream may help. Also, claritin or the generic form of it, loratadine, may help if the cream doesn't. You may have to use both. Check on the label to be sure that it is ok for her age or talk to the pharmacist. A heavy moisturizer without fragrance will work the best. I use Neutragena body emulsion intensive therapeutic lotion. It is very good and I get it at Wal-mart. Best of luck to you both.tmv