Eczema — what to take?

Medical body content is still in Romanian:

Main types

Atopic — chronic, in people with atopic predisposition.

Contact:

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

Seborrhoeic — seborrhoeic areas, Malassezia.

Nummular — coin-shaped round plaques.

Dyshidrotic — vesicles on the palms, soles.

Stasis — lower limbs in venous insufficiency.

Treatment

General principles:

• Identify and avoid trigger/allergen.
• Intensive moisturisation (emollients).
• Topical corticosteroids during flares.
• Antihistamines 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, folds).
• Class II-III (moderate) — betamethasone, mometasone.
• Class IV (potent) — clobetasol — short term.
• Rule: higher potency on thick/chronic skin, lower on face/folds/children.

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