Eczema Treatment

Eczema is a group of chronic skin conditions, also knows as dermatitis. It ranges from mild rashes and irritation to severe inflammation and scaling of the skin. Eczema may occur in adults and children, but is most common amongst infants. Approximately every one in five children in the UK suffer form eczema.

We at The Online Surgery understand the importance of keeping your skin healthy. You can have your symptoms reviewed by our expert team by sending a picture of the affected skin area, and get advice on how to manage and treat your condition.

We offer a range of treatment options from topical emollients such as Diprobase and Cetraben, to steroid creams such as Hydrocortisone, Cutivate and Dermovate, based on the nature and severity of your condition.

These products can be prescribed for you and delivered to your doorstep.

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Eczema > Moisturisers

Cetraben Emollient Cream

Cetraben cream is an emollient that helps treat dry and itchy skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. It acts as a protective layer of oil on the surface of the skin, providing relief from dry, damaged, chapped, red and inflamed skin. It contains a mixt... read more

Cetraben Emollient Bath Additive is an effective, moisturising and protective cream.

£19.20

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Diprobase cream

Diprobase is a moisturising cream that helps to soothe and hydrate the skin and prevents the loss of moisture. It is used to treat red, inflamed, damaged and dry skin, prescribed for people suffering from eczema, a common skin condition. Patient Information L... read more

Diprobase cream

£12.00

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E45

E45 is a non-greasy, white cream, which is used as a moisturiser. It is used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and some forms of psoriasis, along with itching, flaking, calloused skin, sunburn and detergent hands. It works by forming a protec... read more

E45

£18.00

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Eczema > Steroid creams

Betamethasone Valerate Cr ..

Betamethasone valerate is used to help reduce the redness and itchiness caused by certain skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis. It contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate and belongs to a group of medicines called steroids. It h... read more

£26.21

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Betnovate Cream

Betnovate contains a medicine called betamethasone valerate. It belongs to a class ofmedicines called steroids that ease swelling and irritation. Betnovate is usedto help reduce the redness and itchiness of certain skin problems.

Betnovate cream, contain the active ingredient betamethasone, which is a type of medicine called a topical corticosteroid.

£18.29

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Betnovate scalp applicati ..

Betnovate scalp application is used to treat redness and itchiness in the scalp caused by conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis. It contains betamethasone valerate, which belong to a group of medicines called steroids that reduce swelling and irritation.... read more

£23.98

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Cutivate

CCutivate contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, which belongs to a class of medicines called topical corticosteroids. It is used to help reduce swelling and irritation caused by certain skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, an ... read more

£22.78

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Dermovate Ointment

Dermovate ointment belongs to a group of medicines known as steroids. It contains the active ingredient clobetasol propionate which helps to reduce swelling and irritation of the skin. It is used to treat conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, d... read more

Dermovate

£17.50

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Elocon

Elocon Cream belongs to a medicinal group known as topical corticosteroids. This cream is generally termed as potent corticosteroid. It is a popular form of treatment generally used to lighten the itchiness and redness that is caused by different types of skin... read more

Elocon

£40.16

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Eumovate Cream

Eumovate cream belongs to a group of medicines called steroids. It contains Clobetasone butyrate, which is primarily used as a short term treatment for reducing skin inflammation and irritation, associated with skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, nappy... read more

Buy Eumovate Eczema & Dermatitis 30g Cream Clobetasone Butyrate, it controls the inflammation that causes eczema and dermatitis.

£10.00

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Fucibet Cream

Fucibet cream contains two active ingredients, betamethasone and fusidic acid. These 2 active ingredients work at the same time in different ways. One, the antibiotic killing germs (bacteria) that cause infections. And second, the corticosteroid reducing any s... read more

£26.21

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Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone cream belongs to a group of medicines called topical corticosteroids. This cream is meant for external application and is used to reduce the inflammation, redness and itching associated with certain types of skin conditions and reactions.Hydroco... read more

£19.33

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Locoid

Locoid is an anti-inflammatory cream that contains an active substance called hydrocortisone butyrate. It is a type of cortisteroid which is available in the form of a white cream suitable for topical application, that is, it can be directly applied to the ski... read more

£16.00

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What is Eczema?

Eczema is a collective term for several types of chronic skin conditions, also known as dermatitis. It is characterized by red, swollen and dry itchy skin. It most commonly affects the folds of the knees and elbows, around the neck, palms, cheeks and scalp, but may also appear in other parts of the body. Eczema is neither infectious nor contagious, but may lead to secondary infections due to the skin’s increased sensitivity.

The most common type of eczema experienced is atopic dermatitis, affecting both children and adults, but most prevalent amongst babies and infants. It can be caused due to a variety of factors, ranging from irritating substances, allergies, other infections or a genetic predisposition to it.

There are numerous types of eczema, varying in their causes, symptoms and treatment. These include; atopic dermatitis, discoid eczema, contact dermatitis, varicose dermatitis, seborrhoeic eczema, and dyshidrotic eczema. For every type, the severity of a condition can range from mild – small areas of occasionally itchy skin, to severe – widespread, red, inflamed skin causing constant itching and inflammation.

Eczema cannot be cured, but can be managed by avoiding certain triggers. It undergoes a cycle of a flare up, followed by a period of remission, which can last for weeks or even years. Eczema often develops alongside other conditions such as asthma and hay fever.

Eczema does not always present with unique symptoms, they often closely resemble other skin conditions. However, the most common symptom is a red, dry and itchy rash appearing on the palms, inside the elbows, back of the knees, face and scalp.

These rashes usually start out as dry and extremely itchy skin, which eventually becomes swollen and sore. It gets worse the more it is scratched, and could begin to leak a clear fluid, which then crusts over and begins to scale. For infants, eczema first develops as a scaly rash on the face and chin, with small visible cracks. Other symptoms such as oozing fluid, yellow crusts or yellowish-white spots, along with high temperatures, could be the sign of an infection, which must be addressed.

Each type of eczema presents differently and therefore have varying signs and symptoms.

Atopic Dermatitis: This is the most common form of eczema, it begins early in life and appears as rashes on the cheeks, neck, elbow and knee.

Discoid Eczema: These are rashes which appear in circular or oval patches on the skin.

Contact Dermatitis: This comes about when the body comes in contact with a particular irritant substance.

Varicose Eczema: It mostly affects the lower legs, and is caused due to problems in blood flow through the leg veins.

Seborrhoeic Eczema: This appears as red, scaly patches that develop on the side of the nose, eyebrows, ears and scalp.

Dyshidrotic Eczema: This causes tiny blisters to erupt across the palms of the hands.

These symptoms have some common triggers, which set off the flare-ups, they include the use of irritants such as soaps and detergents, stress, fluctuating weather and sometimes even food allergies.

The exact cause of eczema and its various forms is unknown, it is likely to be caused by a combination of factors.

Eczema develops when the skin in unable to retain moisture, making the skin more likely to react to certain triggers. In most cases, people with eczema are likely to have a family member with the same condition, as genes can determine the skin’s sensitivity. An overactive immune system and the likelihood of developing frequent allergies also significantly contribute to the probability of developing the condition.

There are numerous triggers, which may set off the condition, and continue to make it worse once it has developed. These include;

‐ Irritants – soaps, detergents

‐ Environmental factors and allergens – cold and dry weather, dampness, house dust, pet fur, pollen etc.

‐ Food allergies – allergies to cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, soya or wheat

‐ Materials such as wool and synthetic fabrics

‐ Repeated wetting and drying of skin

‐ Hormonal changes – women may find their symptoms getting worse in the days before their period or during pregnancy

‐ Stress

Diagnosing eczema can sometimes be a challenge, as it closely resembles other skin conditions. There are no particular tests for it

Your GP will perform a physical examination of your skin, closely studying its symptoms. The doctor may ask for a skin biopsy, by taking a small piece of the affected area. This can determine the condition and type.

Doctors will usually ask about your family history, due to the condition’s genetic nature. Additionally, you might be asked to undertake allergy skin testing, it is sometimes useful in identifying food allergies that may be triggering symptoms.

A diagnosis is finally made based on the severity of the rashes and itchiness, how long the symptoms have persisted, how often they come and go, family history and the presence of any other related conditions such as asthma and hay fever.

Eczema cannot be cured, but can certainly be managed through a variety of treatment options. Treatment can help relieve symptoms, and may improve your condition over time.

We at The Online Surgery offer a combination of various treatment options and medicines based on your condition type and severity.

Steroid creams
Steroids are prescribed as a corticosteroid cream or ointment to apply on the affected areas. It helps to reduce itching and inflammation. These are available in different strengths, mild (Hydrocortisone), moderate (Cultivate, Locoid, Eumovate) and strong (Dermovate, Elocon, Betnovate).

Emollients
Emollients are prescribed as creams, moisturisers or ointments for daily use. They work to reduce water loss from the skin and provide a protective film. They also play a mild anti-inflammatory role. However, prolonged- or over-use may reduce its effectiveness and could cause irritation.

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Dr. Helen Webberley

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