Eczema is a chronic pruritic, inflammatory skin disease. Patients present with dry scaly skins with redness and itching. Atopic dermatitis is the commonest form of eczema and is often associated with asthma and hay fever.
Medications:
Mild cases:
- Cream Lycor (Hydrocortisone 1% w/w) – apply topically over affected area twice a day for 4 days.
- Lotion Sarna (Camphor, Phenol and menthol) – apply topically over affected area thrice a day for 7 days.
Moderate cases:
- Cream Betnovate (Betamethasone 0.1% w/w) – apply topically over affected area twice a day for first 7 days and then once a day for next 7 days.
- Lotion Sarna – apply topically over affected area thrice a day for 7 days.
Severe cases:
- Cream Momesone (Mometasone 0.1% w/w) – apply topically over affected area once a day for first 7 days.
- Cream Betnovate (Betamethasone 1% w/w) – apply topically over affected area twice a day for next 7 days and then once a day for next 7 days.
- Lotion Sarna – apply topically over affected area thrice a day for 7 days.
Refractory cases:
- Cream Momesone (Mometasone 0.1% w/w) – apply topically over affected area once a day for first 7 days.
- Cream Betnovate (Betamethasone 1% w/w) – apply topically over affected area twice a day for next 7 days and then once a day for next 7 days.
- Lotion Sarna – apply topically over affected area thrice a day for 7 days.
- Tab. Phexin BD (Cephalexin 750 mg) one tablet twice a day for 7 days.
- For suspected herpes simplex – tab. Herpikind (Acyclovir 800 mg) one tablet four times a day for 7 days.
- Tab. Wysolone 5 (Prednisolone 5 mg) for 7 days as follows: day 1 – one tablet 4 times a day; day 2 & 3 – one tablet thrice a day; day 4 & 5 – one tablet twice a day; day 6 & 7 – one tablet a day.
General advice:
- Avoid scratching the lesions.
- Keep the area clean and well hydrated.
- Maintain personal hygiene.
Investigations:
- Allergy testing – for common allergens.
Further referral:
Consider referring to dermatologist if patient fails to respond or presents with additional complications.