Food Allergy And Eczema Flare
- Food allergies are a factor in 30% of young children with severe eczema. This factor is mainly seen in babies.
- The main allergic foods are cow’s milk and eggs.
- The main symptoms are increased skin redness and itching. Some parents report these symptoms start during or soon after the feeding.
- The eczema becomes easier to control if you avoid the allergic food.
Why Is Hydrocortisone Cream Used
Hydrocortisone cream is often used to help relieve inflammation associated with skin conditions like eczema, but it is not recommended for babies. This is because, while the available strength in over-the-counter creams is only one-percent hydrocortisone and is generally safe for older children and adults, there is no definite answer on whether hydrocortisone at one-percent concentration is also safe for babies.
Furthermore, two-percent hydrocortisone may be needed and prescribed for more severe cases of skin inflammation. Hydrocortisone should only be used on babies under the supervision of a doctor.
Fortunately, there are a number of skin care products that dont contain hydrocortisone, such as Mustelas Stelatopia line, designed with your little ones delicate skin in mind and specifically formulated to help treat and prevent eczema.
What Types Of Topical Steroids Are There
There are many types and brands of topical steroid. However, they are generally grouped into four categories depending on their strength – mild, moderately potent, potent and very potent. There are various brands and types in each category. For example, is a commonly used steroid cream and is classed as a mild topical steroid. The greater the strength , the more effect it has on reducing inflammation but the greater the risk of side-effects with continued use.
Creams are usually best to treat moist or weeping areas of skin. Ointments are usually best to treat areas of skin which are dry or thickened. Lotions may be useful to treat hairy areas such as the scalp.
Read Also: Best Body Wash For Dry Eczema Skin
When And How Are Topical Steroids Used
As a rule, a course of topical steroid is used when one or more patches of eczema flare up. The aim of treatment is to clear the flare-up and then to stop the steroid treatment.
It is common practice to use the lowest-strength topical steroid which clears the flare-up. So, for example, hydrocortisone 1% is often used, especially when treating children. This often works well. If there is no improvement after 3-7 days, a is usually then prescribed. For severe flare-ups a may be prescribed from the outset.
Sometimes two or more preparations of different strengths are used at the same time. For example, a mild steroid for the face and a moderately strong steroid for eczema on the thicker skin of the arms or legs. A very strong topical steroid is often needed for eczema on the palms and soles of the feet of adults because these areas have thick skin.
You should use topical steroids until the flare-up has completely gone and then stop using them. In many cases, a course of treatment for 7-14 days is enough to clear a flare-up of eczema. In some cases, a longer course is needed.
Many people with eczema require a course of topical steroids every now and then to clear a flare-up. The frequency of flare-ups and the number of times a course of topical steroids is needed vary greatly from person to person.
After you finish a course of topical steroid, continue to use moisturisers every day to help prevent a further flare-up. .
How Are Steroids Used
Corticosteroid ointments or creams are applied to the affected areas of skin one or two times a day. A lot of people do this in the morning and/or in the evening. This treatment is continued until the inflammation has gone away. Its hard to say exactly how long that will take. The treatment can last anywhere between a few days and six weeks. This will depend on the strength of the corticosteroid and the affected areas of skin. Steroid medication generally shouldnt be applied to sensitive areas of the body for longer than a few days.
It is important to continue using moisturizing products on the skin during treatment with steroids. Doctors recommend waiting about 15 minutes between applying a topical corticosteroid and applying the moisturizing product. This allows the steroid to be absorbed properly. According to current knowledge, it doesnt matter which order you apply them in.
If the is severe, you can apply the topical corticosteroid first and then cover the affected area with a wet wrap in order to increase the effect of the medication. But there is no good research on the benefits and drawbacks of this approach. Some studies have shown that it is associated with a higher risk of side effects, such as inflamed hair follicles and skin infections. Using wet wraps can also cause greater amounts of steroids to enter your bloodstream. So its important to talk to a doctor about whether to use this approach beforehand.
You May Like: Best Skin Moisturizer For Eczema
How To Use Topical Hydrocortisone
- Before use, make sure to read all the instructions on the bottle or packaging of the hydrocortisone. It will provide you a full list of when to expect to see results, possible side effects, and other useful information about the steroid cream.
- It would also be beneficial to talk to your pharmacist about combining hydrocortisone with any other drug that you are taking to avoid any complications.
- To apply, use a small amount of the cream/lotion on the inflamed and affected skin. Rub it in until the cream has disappeared into the skin. Do not use it on open sores or broken skin.
- Use the hydrocortisone once or twice or day, or however instructed by your doctor if prescribed.
- If you are using any other topical medicines, creams, or ointments, you should wait 10 minutes between applying the hydrocortisone and another product to ensure it can properly start working in the skin.
- After applying, wash your hands so that you do not accidentally get the topical steroid on any other parts of your body.
Keeping Your Babys Skin Safe
Although your babys skin may appear perfect on the outside, Mustelas researchers have clinically proven that baby skin is still developing until the age of two. During this period of development, your little ones skin is extremely fragile and is not able to fully protect itself from daily environmental conditions.
It is always best to avoid products that can potentially harm your little bundle of joy, like hydrocortisone. Whenever possible, opt to treat your babys delicate skin with natural, baby-safe products.
Get tips, news
Don’t Miss: Homeopathic Treatment For Eczema On Face
How To Use Skin Cream Or Ointment
What Is 25 Hydrocortisone Cream Used For
This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions . Hydrocortisone reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions.
The Best Eczema Creams for Your Dry, Parched Skin
Read Also: How To Help Face Eczema
How Using Topical Steroids Can Help Relieve Eczema
Eczema, known more formally as atopic dermatitis, is not one specific condition, but a group of inflammatory skin conditions that can produce rash-like symptoms, lesions, scaly or leathery patches of skin, swelling, soreness and dry itchiness on various parts of the body. It can appear on the face, hands, feet, wrists, ankles, insides of the elbows, behind the knees, sides of the neck, and around the mouth and other areas of the body.
Scientists haven’t identified any specific cause of eczema, but people with the condition tend to have an over-reactive immune system that produces inflammation as a result of an irritant or trigger, according to the National Eczema Foundation . Common irritants include household products, fragrances, metals, and certain fabrics, such as wool or polyester.
Other triggers of eczema include stress and letting your skin get too dry. For instance, frequent hand-washing in an attempt to help avoid COVID-19 infection can dry out skin and spur flareups, says the NEA. People with seasonal allergies or asthma also tend to be at a higher risk of eczema. So are women and Black Americans, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It usually begins in childhood, but nearly half of children with eczema will outgrow it or have greatly reduced symptoms by the time they reach puberty.
RELATED: 12 Common Eczema Triggers and How to Target Them
Fingertip Units And Children
An FTU of cream or ointment is measured on an adult index finger before being rubbed on to a child. Again, one FTU is used to treat an area of skin on a child equivalent to twice the size of the flat of an adult’s hand with the fingers together. You can gauge the amount of topical steroid to use by using your hand to measure the amount of skin affected on the child. From this you can work out the amount of topical steroid to use.
The following gives a rough guide:
For a child aged 3-6 months
- Entire face and neck – 1 FTU.
- An entire arm and hand – 1 FTU.
- An entire leg and foot – 1.5 FTUs.
- The entire front of chest and tummy – 1 FTU.
- The entire back including buttocks – 1.5 FTUs.
For a child aged 1-2 years
- Entire face and neck – 1.5 FTUs.
- An entire arm and hand – 1.5 FTUs.
- An entire leg and foot – 2 FTUs.
- The entire front of chest and abdomen – 2 FTUs.
- The entire back including buttocks – 3 FTUs.
For a child aged 3-5 years
- Entire face and neck – 1.5 FTUs.
- An entire arm and hand – 2 FTUs.
- An entire leg and foot – 3 FTUs.
- The entire front of chest and abdomen – 3 FTUs.
- The entire back including buttocks – 3.5 FTUs.
For a child aged 6-10 years
- Entire face and neck – 2 FTUs.
- An entire arm and hand – 2.5 FTUs.
- An entire leg and foot – 4.5 FTUs.
- The entire front of chest and abdomen – 3.5 FTUs.
- The entire back including buttocks – 5 FTUs.
Don’t Miss: Best Formula To Give Baby With Eczema
Why You Should Try To Avoid Steroid Phobia
Its important to understand potential side effects, especially with overuse. Yet dont let fear of side effects prevent you taking advantage of topical steroids, says Lio, a sentiment that Fonacier echoes. One of the reasons that eczema is poorly treated is steroid phobia, mostly driven by fear of complications, explains Fonacier. To avoid or minimize complications, particularly with long-term use of topical steroids, simply make sure you are being monitored by a medical professional who can identify any problems before they worsen. Be sure to let your doctor know of any concerns so they can be addressed promptly and effectively.
Finally, if your symptoms persist or onerous side effects develop, says Fonacier, know when its time to move on and ask your doctor to look at other treatment options.
Concerns Surrounding Hydrocortisone Cream
Your babys skin is designed to protect them from the world around them from air pollution to water, as well as bacteria that are airborne or exist on the things they touch and explore every day.
However, your little ones skin cells aren’t impermeable. That means that chemicals and bacteria can squeeze by and penetrate your infants sensitive or thin skin, causing an allergic reaction and potentially flooding their bloodstream.
When hydrocortisone cream is used extensively, it disrupts skins natural acid mantle and can significantly thin or weaken your babys skin and increase their chances of a number of viruses. Likewise, since hydrocortisone is a steroid medication, it can build up in your little ones body over time.
If hydrocortisone cream is administered, it is very important to apply ONLY the amount of hydrocortisone recommended. Never use it more times per day than directed, and only for the time period that your doctor recommends.
Read Also: Cradle Cap Vs Eczema On Scalp
Side Effects With Using Hydrocortisone Cream As Eczema Treatment
By | Submitted On March 20, 2007
In my teens, I was first introduced to using hydrocortisone cream for my eczema treatment. Since then, every time I had an outbreak, I would turn to it. This continued for more than ten years. However, in the last few years, I noticed that increasingly applying hydrocortisone creams on my affected skin is not as effective as before. In fact, it got harder and harder to control my eczema. My affected skin also got thinner and I would get abrasions very easily. I then decided to find out the truth behind the side effects of using hydrocortisone creams.
Hydrocortisone cream is one kind of topical corticosteroids and is easily available at your local store without prescription. They are packaged in various forms such as creams and lotions and are marketed under different brands.
Corticosteroid creams are topical skin applications which are used for skin itching, redness, discomfort and other skin-related problems. They come in varying strengths. Stronger ones are only available via prescription by your doctor. Corticosteroids are referred to as steroids. The term steroids often have a negative ring to it because of a number of side effects that this drug is known to bring. Corticosteroids for eczema are different from anabolic steroids, which are used by some athletes to increase their endurance.
Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations
If your childâs illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.
Don’t Miss: Is Blue Star Ointment Good For Eczema
Does Breastmilk Help Baby Eczema
Due to its qualities that offer protection against infections, breast milk can help ease your baby’s eczema. Drip some breast milk on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area. Depending on the severity of the eczema, it might go away on its own over time or require upkeep and additional doctor supervision.
How To Use A Moisturizer
Itâll work best if you apply it after a bath or shower. Use lukewarm — not hot — water. Bathe for just about 10 minutes.
Pat your skin dry. Leave it slightly damp. That way you donât remove all the moisture you got from bathing.
Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes after you get out of the water. Wait longer and your skin will start to dry out.
Soften the moisturizer by rubbing it between your hands. Use your palms to smear a thick layer all over your skin. Apply it gently in simple downward strokes. Try not to rub it in circles or up and down.
It may feel sticky at first, but that’s OK. Don’t try to take off the extra. Your skin will absorb it.
Each time your wash your hands or get them wet, moisturize them, too. Keep moisturizer by each sink in the house so you don’t forget.
If you use a prescription skin medicine, put it on before you moisturize.
Read Also: Can I Use Psoriasis Cream For Eczema
Eczema Myths And Facts
- FACT:My childs eczema improves after a beach holidaySome studies have shown that salt may have an anti-inflammatory effect. Also vitamin D from sunlight has been suggested to help children with eczema.
- MYTH:Bathing is bad for my child
- MYTH: Swimming pools are bad for my child.Just be sure your child showers straight after finishing in the pool and apply moisturizing cream.
- MYTH: Corticosteroids are dangerous and should be used sparingly.On the contrary, if you dont use enough cortisone you wont get your childs eczema under control.
- MYTH: Moisturisers with natural plant or animal extracts are better for my child.Often plant or animal extracts can be more irritating for the skin. Also, these products are often more expensive and are an unnecessary expense.
Before Using Hydrocortisone Topical
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to hydrocortisone, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in hydrocortisone topical products. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes or Cushing’s syndrome .
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using hydrocortisone topical, call your doctor.
You May Like: Best Shampoo For Eczema Itchy Scalp