Hydrocortisone for Eczema

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a condition in which the skin fails to retain moisture and becomes dry and flaky. It affects about 15 million people very year. Mostly, it begins in the early childhood, when the skin is tender. The skin itches a lot and red patches develop all over the affected area. Scratching the skin exacerbates the condition of the eczema. Eczema can be rarely cured completely. However, it is possible to control eczema with the help of certain medications. These medications add moisture to the skin and keep it hydrated. They also reduce inflammation and swelling that results due to eczema. Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone effectively keep eczema under check. However, there are certain benefits and side effects of using hydrocortisone for eczema.

Benefits

Hydrocortisone is often applied in topical form, for treating eczema. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Over the counter hydrocortisone cream successfully clears the eczema symptoms in about 80% of eczema patients. Mostly, hydrocortisone of strength 1% is used in treating eczema. Higher strengths may be required for treating eczema on thick, tougher skin. Hydrocortisone usually eliminates rashes within 2 - 3 days of treatment. It also reduces the formation of scales on the skin. While using it for treating eczema, it is always wise to consult your dermatologist. He may recommend you a proper strength and form of the hydrocortisone to be used, depending upon your individual condition. Oral corticosteroids are recommended only in cases of severe eczema, when even prescription strength hydrocortisone ointment fails to cure eczema. Using hydrocortisone for treating eczema in babies is also a safe practice. Often in child eczema, hydrocortisone of lower strength is preferred. Though, adults can safely apply it on folds of the skin, its usage on groin area is not recommended.

Side Effects

Hydrocortisone can indeed induce some side effects if you fail to administer it properly. Therefore, it is imperative to consult your doctor before going for hydrocortisone for eczema treatment. Using hydrocortisone of higher strength for treating mild eczema can make skin thin and very prone to abrasions. Similarly, prolonged use of hydrocortisone induces similar effects on the skin. Moreover, if you have been using hydrocortisone cream for treating your eczema without any effect, then it renders your skin susceptible to various bacterial and fungal infections. Another drawback of using hydrocortisone for long time is that it leads to stretch mark like appearance on the skin. It may also lead to swelling of blood vessels in the affected area. If higher strength hydrocortisone cream is used, then it may get absorbed in the blood stream and affect the body system. The most hazardous effect of hydrocortisone on the body is that it may completely stop or suppress the production of natural adrenaline in the body. This may give rise to several illnesses, including the one like Cushing's syndrome.

If you find that your over the counter hydrocortisone cream is not giving you desired results, then it is recommended that you immediately stop its usage and see your dermatologist. Going for higher strength hydrocortisone product without your dermatologist's consent can prove to be detrimental. In the meanwhile, you may also look for other natural treatment options or alternative therapies. Some home remedies may also prove to be effective in the treatment of eczema.