Topical Steroids For Baby Eczema

Topical steroids also known as topical corticosteroids are immunosuppressant creams and ointments that are used to treat inflammation flare ups in eczema.

Topical steroids for baby eczema.

The ointment form is much more potent than the cream and should never be applied to more than 20 of the total body surface area. Topical steroids are effective in helping to heal cracked and broken skin from eczema. They are not curative and on discontinuation a rebound exacerbation of the condition may occur. Medium to high potency topical corticosteroids are effective for atopic dermatitis and eczema in adults and children 9 10 as well as for phimosis 11 12 i e foreskin that cannot be retracted.

If you suspect an infection make an appointment with your health care provider for further evaluation. Topical steroids are classified by their strength or potency which ranges from super potent class 1 to least potent class 7. Elocon is approved for children as young as 2 years of age and used once daily. Elocon mometasone furoate is a potent topical steroid available by prescription that is used to treat eczema and psoriasis.

In highly severe cases steroids can be prescribed orally but we will focus on topical steroids for eczema today. Corticosteroids have been used for more than 60 years in topical medications to treat many kinds of inflammatory skin conditions including eczema. Topical steroids are used for eczema in adults and children. In mild forms the skin is dry hot and itchy whilst in more severe forms the skin can become broken raw and bleeding.

If your skin is tender warm or hot to the touch and swollen it may be infected. Corticosteroids suppress the inflammatory reaction during use. The topical steroids are the ones your pediatrician will prescribe to your infant first. Eczema or dermatitis as it is sometimes called is a group of skin conditions which can affect all age groups the severity of the disease can vary.

Babies and very young children are at risk of absorbing topically applied corticosteroids into the bloodstream especially when these medications are very potent applied in large quantities too frequently used for prolonged periods of time or used inappropriately under a diaper or other covered occluded area.