Eczema (cont.)
Medical Author:
Gary W. Cole, MD
Gary W. Cole, MDDr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. IN THIS ARTICLE
Medical Treatment and MedicationsOnce your health-care provider is sure you have atopic dermatitis, the mainstays of therapy are anti-inflammatory medications and relief from the itching. Prescription-strength steroid cream and antihistamine medications are the usual treatments. If your health-care provider determines that you have a secondary bacterial infection complicating your rash, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed. For severe cases not responding to high-potency steroid cream, alternate treatments may be tried. These include coal tar, PUVA (psoralen + ultraviolet A light), and chemotherapeutic agents. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) usually do not work in eczema. Viewer Comments & ReviewsEczema - Symptoms and SignsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What are your eczema symptoms and signs? Eczema - Effective TreatmentsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Please describe your experience with eczema. |
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Dyshidrotic Eczema »
Dyshidrotic eczema is a recurrent or chronic relapsing form of vesicular palmoplantar dermatitis of unknown etiology.
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