Home Conditions Eczema

Eczema — guide.

Eczema (dermatitis) = skin inflammation with erythema, itching, blisters or scales. Forms: atopic, contact (irritant or allergic), seborrheic, nummular, dyshidrotic, stasis.

Also known as: dermatitis dry eczema contact eczema
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In short: Eczema (dermatitis) is an inflammation of the skin with redness, itching, blisters or scaling, appearing in atopic, contact or seborrheic forms. Care starts with emollients and urea creams to support the skin barrier, to which a hydrocortisone cream for inflamed areas and an antihistamine such as cetirizine when itching is bothersome can be added. On HartaFarmacii you can compare the price of these OTC options across the major pharmacies (Dr. Max, Tei, Catena, HelpNet), with prices updated daily. This information is for guidance only and does not replace medical advice; see a doctor if the lesions spread rapidly or look infected.

Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.

OTC — adjuncts

What you can take alongside treatment

Informational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.

When to seek urgent medical help

Any of these signs calls for prompt medical evaluation:

  • Rapid spread, suspected infection
  • Widespread blisters, fluid
  • Lack of response to treatment
  • Cracked skin with secondary infection
  • Significant psychological impact

What eczema is

Eczema (dermatitis) is a general term for superficial inflammation of the skin, manifested by redness, itching, blisters, oozing or scales, depending on the stage and type. It is not a contagious disease. The common mechanism is a damaged skin barrier, which allows water loss and the penetration of irritants and allergens, triggering inflammation. Pruritus (itching) is the dominant symptom, and scratching maintains a vicious cycle that worsens the lesions. Recognizing the type of eczema and identifying the triggering factors are essential, because treatment differs according to the cause.

Main types

Atopic — chronic, in people with an atopic predisposition.

Contact:

  • Irritant — repeated contact with irritants (detergents, water).
  • Allergic — sensitization to nickel, fragrance, latex, plants, topical medications.

Seborrheic — seborrheic areas, Malassezia.

Nummular — round, coin-shaped plaques.

Dyshidrotic — blisters on the palms, soles.

Stasis — lower limbs in venous insufficiency.

Treatment

General principles:

  • Identify + avoid the trigger/allergen.
  • Intensive moisturizing (emollients).
  • Topical corticosteroid during flare-ups.
  • Antihistamine for severe itching.

For contact dermatitis — patch tests to identify the allergen.

For dyshidrotic eczema — protective gloves, potent topical corticosteroid.

Topical corticosteroids — potency

  • Class I (mild) — hydrocortisone 0.5-1% (face, skin folds).
  • Class II-III (moderate) — betamethasone, mometasone.
  • Class IV (potent) — clobetasol — short term.
  • Rule: higher potency for thick/chronic skin, lower for the face/folds/children.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a healthcare professional.

Compared medicines

Medicines used for eczema

This list is indicative, generated automatically from DCI/category matching. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Search the pharmacy

Medicine categories for eczema

Step by step

How to find a pharmacy fast for eczema

Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll see pharmacies sorted by distance with their opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. For overnight or weekend trips, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For eczema some medicines need a prescription — make sure you have a valid one (electronic or paper) before you leave, to avoid wasted trips.

For chronic treatment, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and check prices on the comparator — OTC differences between chains can hit 20-40%, while CANAMED-capped Rx items have a fixed maximum but may carry promotions. If your treatment for eczema runs on a monthly script, schedule pickup a few days before you run out.

Left untreated

Possible complications

See also

Related symptoms and conditions

Symptom

Mâncărime

Mâncărimea (pruritul) e una dintre cele mai frecvente probleme dermatologice. Cauze: piele uscată, alergii, dermatită, boli sistemice (tiroidă, ficat, rinichi).

 Symptom

Piele uscată

Pielea uscată (xerosis) pierde apă și lipide, devine aspră, descuamată, uneori pruriginoasă, cu tendință la eczeme. Cauze: iarna, îmbătrânire, dușuri fierbinți, genetică, boli.

 Symptom

Alergie

Alergia e un răspuns imun exagerat la substanțe în mod normal inofensive (polen, praf, alimente, medicamente). Se manifestă cu mâncărime, urticarie, rinită, astm, anafilaxie.

 Condition

Dermatită atopică

Dermatita atopică e boală cronică inflamatorie cutanată cu prurit, uscăciune, eczeme recurente. Apare în contextul triadei atopice (astm, rinita alergică). Debut frecvent în copilărie.

 Condition

Psoriazis

Psoriazisul e boală inflamatorie cronică cu plăci eritemato-scuamoase, hiperproliferare keratinocite, asociate cu comorbidități sistemice (artrită, sindrom metabolic, depresie).

Frequently asked

What else would you like to know?

How do I tell eczema apart from psoriasis?
Eczema — itchy, blisters, finely scaly skin. Psoriasis — well-defined plaques, thick silvery scales, less itching. Dermatological diagnosis.
What cleansers should I use?
Soap-free, with a physiological pH of 5-5.5, fragrance-free. Syndets: Aveeno, CeraVe Foaming, La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet.
Can I find the allergen?
Patch tests — 48-96h. They identify nickel (common), fragrances, preservatives, metals.
Gloves for protection?
Yes, when in contact with water/detergents. Cotton gloves under rubber ones to prevent sweating. Barrier creams.

See also

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