Eczema

Eczema

Oxford Online Pharmacy eczema service and information

If you suffer from eczema, Oxford Online Pharmacy provides an online consultation with our GMC registered doctor. Ordering eczema medication from us is easy, simply follow these 3 steps:

1 - Complete a short consultation

The first step is to complete a short consultation so our online doctors can determine whether this is the right treatment for you. Our GMC-registered doctors will then review your completed consultation.
 
2 - Choose your medication

You can now choose your medication, this could be the medication you are currently on or a new medication, using your consultation our doctors will make sure that your chosen medicine is the right treatment for you. If it is, they may provide some extra notes regarding directions of use for this medication.

However, if they believe your chosen medicine is not the most suitable treatment, they will make recommendations regarding what sort of treatment would be better for your needs.
 
3 - Fast, discreet, shipping

When you have finished the steps above your medication will be scheduled for delivery to the address of your choosing (you will do this when you pay).

We will make sure that you receive your medication quickly and discreetly – we always use discreet labels and packaging so no one will know what’s inside.

Introduction and symptoms

Atopic eczema is very common in children affecting one in five children and can continue into adulthood affecting one in twelve adults.

What does eczema look like? 

Eczema alters the appearance and texture of the skin. Eczema causes the skin to be red, dry, cracked and itchy. Rashes may show as raised, red, or bumpy, varying with skin tone. Inflammation can cause swelling, especially around the eyelids. The skin becomes dry, rough, and susceptible to cracks, blisters, and scabs, resulting in discomfort and distraction. This type of eczema varies in severity and sufferers can have flare ups leading to sore, cracked and bleeding skin.

Where do eczema symptoms manifest on the body? 

Eczema symptoms can arise anywhere on the skin. Eczema usually affects areas with folds of skin such as the inside of elbows and knees, and around the neck and eyes and ears. Other common areas include the hands, feet, face (particularly the cheeks), ankles and lips. Less commonly, eczema may appear on the breasts, skin folds near the vagina (vulva), nipples, and penis.

What causes eczema?

The exact causes are unknown, but it usually affects people with allergies and runs in families. It often occurs in people who also have asthma and hay fever.

Other types of eczema

Contact dermatitis is inflammation of the skin, usually caused by irritants or allergens. If you can avoid contact, your symptoms will disappear. Otherwise, ointment and creams should help.

Discoid eczema usually affects adults and sufferers get circular or oval patches of eczema on the body, but not on the head or scalp. Treatment usually consists of antibiotic cream or tablets.

Dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx causes tiny blisters to erupt on the hands and sometimes on the soles of feet. It can clear up by itself. You should avoid contact with irritants and creams and ointments may help.

Seborrheic eczema causes red scaly skin on the sides of the nose, eyebrows, scalp and ears. It is also associated with dandruff when anti-dandruff shampoo is recommended.

Varicose eczema occurs on the legs often around swollen veins. Keeping active, compression stockings, ointment and creams can ease symptoms.

The treatment of eczema

Symptoms can be eased with various ointments and creams, which can be used to control dry skin and swelling and redness during severe flare ups. Atopic eczema improves with age and disappears in 53% of children when they reach 11 and 65% of children by the age of 16.

Is there a permanent cure for eczema? 

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for eczema. While various therapies exist, none can eliminate symptoms. Eczema is a chronic condition, meaning it can come and go. Treatments are highly effective in alleviating itching and dry skin symptoms.

How to manage eczema? 

Although a permanent cure is lacking, lifestyle changes and therapies can help alleviate itching and prevent flare-ups. Adopting healthy habits, such as regular cleaning to remove allergens, using unscented products, staying hydrated, and managing stress through activities like exercise and meditation, can contribute to symptom relief.

Eczema treatments

Medications (oral and topical) are available, ranging from over-the-counter options to prescription-strength creams. Antihistamines, antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and topical steroid creams may be recommended by a medical professional based on individual needs. Over-the-counter emollients, absorbed quickly by the skin, create a protective barrier to reduce moisture loss and infection risk.

Medication (Oral and Topical)

Oxford Online Pharmacy offers an extensive selection of eczema treatments, ranging from over-the-counter tablets to prescription-strength creams. We likely have the treatment that suits your needs.

Individuals with eczema can choose from a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription therapies. Consultation with your doctor is advisable to explore various medications and find the most suitable option for your skin.

A medical professional may recommend one or more of the following:

Antihistamines: These medications inhibit histamines, which trigger allergy symptoms such as redness and itching. While effective, they may cause drowsiness. Fexofenadine 180mg tablets, used for eczema symptoms are available at Oxford Online Pharmacy.

Antibiotics: Scratching the skin can introduce bacteria, leading to skin infections. Antibiotic treatments include Fucidin H cream, Fucibet cream containing an antibiotic and steroid, and Trimovate cream containing an antibiotic, steroid, and antifungal.

Antifungal drugs: Fungal infections necessitate antifungal creams or medications. A steroid cream may also aid in treating a fungal-infected eczema rash. Different antifungal treatments include Nizoral cream, Daktacort (containing a steroid and antifungal), and Lotriderm cream (containing a steroid and antifungal).

Topical Steroid Creams: These creams or ointments are applied directly to the affected area to reduce inflammation and swelling. Available in various strengths, excessive use may lead to skin discoloration and thinning. Examples of topical steroids include Elocon, Eumovate, Audavate RD cream, Betnovate, Dermovate, Betnovate RD (a quarter strength of Betnovate), Canesten HC, and Daktacort Cream.

OTC Emollients: Many emollients can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. Emollients are rapidly absorbed by the skin, working to lock in moisture and create a protective barrier that reduces oil and fluid loss, lowering the risk of infections. Some examples include Epaderm, Zeroveen, E45 Cream, Doublebase, Diprobase, Zeroderm, CeraVe, Oilatum, Balnuem, Cetraben, and Aveeno.

Explore our complete range of eczema treatments above.

When to use ointment vs. cream?

The choice between ointments and creams depends on the individual's needs. Creams, with lower oil content, are adept at sealing in moisture and are less oily to the touch. Ointments, being thicker, serve well for extremely dry skin as occlusive moisturisers. Careful reading of labels is advised, as creams may contain stabilisers or preservatives that could be harsh on the skin.