Online Eczema Treatment

Many adults with typical mild to moderate eczema symptoms can be assessed online. Your symptoms, affected areas, medical history, previous treatment, allergies and current medicines are reviewed before treatment is considered.

If the diagnosis is uncertain, the eczema is severe or physical examination is required, face-to-face assessment may be recommended.

Treatment depends on the severity of the eczema, the body area affected, previous treatment, age, skin condition and whether there are signs of infection. Different areas of the body can require different strengths or types of treatment.

No. Prescription treatment is supplied only after clinical review and only where it is considered appropriate and safe. A different treatment, further information or face-to-face assessment may be recommended.

Eczema commonly causes dry, itchy, inflamed, cracked or irritated skin. During a flare, the skin may become more inflamed, sore, rough, thickened or prone to scratching and broken skin.

Possible signs of infection include rapidly worsening eczema, increasing pain, warmth, swelling, weeping, crusting, pus, spreading redness or feeling generally unwell. Suspected infected eczema may need different treatment and further clinical assessment.

Face-to-face assessment may be needed when the diagnosis is uncertain, eczema is severe or widespread, there is significant facial or eye involvement, infection is suspected, treatment has repeatedly failed or symptoms are rapidly worsening.

Hydrocortisone 1% is a mild topical corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation, itching and redness in suitable mild to moderate eczema and dermatitis.

Many hydrocortisone 1% products are applied sparingly once or twice daily. Some non-prescription 1% products are limited to a maximum course of 7 days unless a clinician advises otherwise. Always follow the directions for the specific product supplied.

Product-specific restrictions apply. Some hydrocortisone 1% products should not be used on the face or around the eyes without medical advice. The clinician should consider the exact site being treated before recommending a topical steroid.

Clobetasone butyrate 0.05% is a moderately potent topical corticosteroid. It may be considered when a mild steroid has not been sufficient or when the severity and body site make a moderately potent treatment appropriate.

Clobetasone is generally applied sparingly once or twice daily according to the specific product and clinical advice. Non-prescription Eumovate Eczema & Dermatitis is limited to up to 7 days before medical review.

Betamethasone valerate is a potent topical corticosteroid that may be considered for more inflamed or treatment-resistant steroid-responsive eczema. It is generally applied thinly once or twice daily, with treatment stepped down once control is achieved.

Not necessarily. The appropriate potency depends on the severity of the flare, the body site, age and other patient factors. Thin or sensitive areas such as the face and skin folds generally require greater caution than thicker skin.

Emollients moisturise dry skin, reduce water loss and help support the skin barrier. They are a core part of eczema management and are usually continued even when an active flare has improved.

Emollients can usually be applied liberally and frequently according to how dry the skin is. Applying them after washing and whenever the skin feels dry can help maintain hydration.

Yes. Residue from emollients can build up on clothing, bedding, dressings and other fabrics and make them ignite more easily. Keep treated fabrics away from cigarettes, naked flames and other ignition sources. This precaution applies to paraffin-containing and paraffin-free emollients.

Tacrolimus is a topical calcineurin inhibitor and a steroid-free prescription treatment. It may be used for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis when conventional treatment such as topical corticosteroids has not been sufficiently effective or suitable.

For adults and adolescents aged 16 years and over, flare treatment commonly starts with tacrolimus 0.1% ointment twice daily when prescribed. Strength and frequency differ for younger patients and maintenance treatment, so follow the exact instructions supplied.

Burning, warmth or itching at the application site can occur, particularly when treatment is first started. These effects often improve, but persistent or severe reactions should be reviewed.

Yes, emollients usually remain an important part of eczema care while a topical corticosteroid is being used. Allow appropriate time between products and follow the application advice supplied by your clinician or pharmacist.

The response depends on the severity of the flare and treatment used. Appropriate topical treatment may begin to reduce inflammation and itching over several days. Treatment should be reviewed if symptoms continue to worsen or fail to respond as expected.

Follow the treatment plan provided. Topical steroid frequency is commonly reduced or treatment stopped or stepped down once control is achieved, while regular emollient use usually continues to support the skin barrier.

Skin thinning can occur with inappropriate or prolonged topical corticosteroid use, particularly with stronger preparations or use on sensitive areas. Using the correct potency, amount and duration helps reduce this risk.

Seek prompt assessment for rapidly spreading redness, significant swelling, severe pain, extensive blistering, widespread weeping or crusting, fever, feeling systemically unwell, significant eye involvement or a severe medicine reaction.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect treatment choice, particularly for prescription medicines. Tell the clinician if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, are trying to conceive or are breastfeeding before requesting treatment.

Repeat treatment may be appropriate when the diagnosis and previous response are clear. Changes in symptoms, repeated treatment failure, suspected infection, increasing treatment requirements or changes to your medical history may require further review before another supply is approved.

Frequent flares can indicate that the treatment plan, trigger management, emollient routine or diagnosis needs review. Repeated reliance on stronger topical steroids without reassessment is not appropriate.

If treatment is clinically approved, it is dispensed by the pharmacy with directions for use and the relevant patient information. Follow the dispensing label and contact the pharmacy if you are unsure how or where to apply the treatment.