Acyclovir Feedback

• Oral antibiotics may be used for infected eczema. Skin infections are indicated if white or yellow pus oozes from the affected site.
• Moisturizers are recommended for all types of eczema because they hydrate the skin. It is recommended that the moisturizer be applied liberally to the affected area.
• Topical steroids are often used in addition to moisturizers if the eczema does not improve and the affected area becomes severely irritated and swollen.
• Oral antihistamines are often used to reduce the itching associated with eczema. Newer antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) and fexofenadine (Allegra), do not appear to be as effective in controlling itching as older antihistamines such as hydroxyzine (Atarax) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) which causes more drowsiness.
• Phototherapy (ultraviolet A or B light therapy) may be used when all other avenues of topical and oral treatments have been exhausted. Phototherapy works by controlling cells in the skin that allow skin cell development. By controlling the rate at which skin cells develop, it is possible to control the scaling and sloughing of skin that is associated with eczema.
• Oral steroids are generally reserved for eczema that is resistant to all other treatments because this class of drugs is much more likely to cause side effects.
• Topical immunosuppressants such as pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic) have been shown to be extremely effective in the treatment of eczema. By controlling how the immune system reacts to potential irritants and triggers, immunosuppressants are able to clear the affected area and provide relief from itching. However, until further studies have been conducted to identify any potential long-term effects, they should be considered a treatment of last resort.