Whether you've been handling the symptoms of eczema for years, or if you're new to the game of dealing with this condition, looking over your options of medication is a good idea. One of the foremost authorities on asthma, allergies, and immunology, the National Jewish Medical and Research Center (NJMRC) offers these current medication ideas as options for treating eczema. You will be able to deal with a wide range of symptoms, from mildly dry and itchy skin up to a worse eczema flare-up, with these prescribed medications.

Topical Medications

For those with eczema, the most rigorous attempts at skin care still can't stop skin from flaring-up every now and then. For these situations, doctors can suggest a topical steroid or hydrocortisone to be applied directly to the skin to ease the swelling and itching. The most frequently prescribed eczema treatments are topical steroids, and come in the form of lotions, sprays and gels. Both topical steroids and hydrocortisones are available in cream and ointment form. Ointments are usually greasy and are best used for overly dry or scaly skin, whereas creams are better suited for oozing or "weeping" areas due to the increased amount of water in them. For on your scalp or in your hair, sprays and lotions are the best options.

When using a topical medication, apply a small amount over the problem area of skin. It should be a thin enough layer that your skin looks moist, but not smeared with cream. Often the directions for creams or ointments will tell you to “use sparingly.” Topical medications are best used right after a warm bath, when your pores are opened up, allowing more of the medication to be absorbed.

In order to lock in the medication and the moisture from your bath, put on an emollient like petroleum jelly after you apply the ointment or cream. Usually, you shouldn't use topical steroids more than two times a day. Consult your doctor about the correct dosage for your needs, and follow any instructions he or she gives closely.

The severity of your symptoms, where and how much of the body is affected will determine what kind of topical medication your doctor will prescribe. Even though topical steroids may be effective, they are very strong and can be damaging to areas of sensitive skin. Instead of steroids, your doctor might prescribe topical hydrocortisone for areas of thin skin, such as the face or neck. Topical hydrocortisone is usually used for babies and small children with eczema because of their sensitive skin.

Side effects are not likely, provided that you use the topical steroids prescribed to you by your doctor as he or she has specified. However, prolonged use can have some side effects, particularly if the preparation of the prescription is strong (over 1% concentration). Most of the time, the worst side effect is the outer layer of the skin thinning out, although acne and discoloration of the skin (hypopigmentation) have been known to occur.