What is eczema? It is a generic term for inflammatory conditions of the skin because of the formation of vesicles in or beneath the skin in the acute stages. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It is also known as atopic eczema. Usually the term Atopic refers to a group of diseases which has got the tendency to develop other allergic conditions like asthma. This type of eczema is quite common in young children especially infants. Some of them would continue to experience the symptoms through out the life but definitely eczema can be controlled in the majority of patients with a proper treatment.
Treatment of various diseases are usually done knowing its root cause but even though medical field has advanced a lot exact cause of eczema is still unknown. It's assumed to be caused as a result of body's overactive response to a bacterium that resides beneath the skin resulting in formation of vesicles in or beneath the skin in the acute stages. Usage of steroid based corticosteroids is one of the best ways for treating eczema to get relief from the constant itching and accompanying red, scaly skin patches of eczema.
Many patients are afraid of using steroids due to many side effects. Still topical corticosteroid continues to be the prominent supporter in treating eczema, as this medicine has been very much effective in the treatment of mild to severe eczema. Pimecrolimus and Tacrolimus are the most commonly used steroid free topical medications that belong to a class of Calcineurin inhibitor drugs. The U.S. FDA has approved these types of drugs. Some of the other ways of treating eczema includes antihistamines to reduce severe itching, tar treatments by using different chemicals designed to reduce itching, phototherapy and cyclosporine drug in very rear cases. The best way to start treating eczema is by approaching a dermatologist at the initial stage. Dermatologists and patients can together discuss the pros and cons of different treatments available and thereby offering patients a better quality treatment without any side effects.
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