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Suggest Treatment For Eczema In The Legs
Question: I am 66 years old, male in good general health. I have eczema in both legs but only in the lower portion just above the feet. My father also had it at the same place. I have it for last 20 years. I apply vaseline after shower. Also I apply Fluocinonide .05 percent on alternate days plus mupirocin ointment usp 2 % on alternate days. With this, things are ok. My question is - Is this a good plan. Also I understand that there are new eczema treatments in 2017. What are they and which one I should or should not try. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Regarding treatment options for eczema
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am dr.kakkar (dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
You have been using a moisturiser along with a moderately potent topical steroid (fluocinolone acetonide 0.05%). Both the frequncy of application and potency of topical steroid need to be increased.
Although topical steroids are first line of treatment for a chronic eczema however I would suggest a superpotent topical steroid e.g clobetasol propionate 0.05% with or without salicylic acid (3-6%) or halobetasol propionate 0.05% with or without salicylic acid (*ointments work much better for a chronic dry eczema as compared to creams).
Besides topical steroid there are other local treatment options like intralesional triamcinolone acetonide 10-40mg/ml, tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, coal tar (3-5%) and salicylic acid combination ointment, 5% ichthyol pale cream.
I think you should use a more potent topical steroid rather than what you are already using e.g clobetasol propionate 0.05% and salicylic acid 3% ointment.
Moreover you should use this potent steroid ointment, twice daily for 2-4 weeks and thereafter reduce either frequency of application or potency of topical steroid.
Continue with twice daily application of moisturiser.
Regards
Regarding treatment options for eczema
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am dr.kakkar (dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
You have been using a moisturiser along with a moderately potent topical steroid (fluocinolone acetonide 0.05%). Both the frequncy of application and potency of topical steroid need to be increased.
Although topical steroids are first line of treatment for a chronic eczema however I would suggest a superpotent topical steroid e.g clobetasol propionate 0.05% with or without salicylic acid (3-6%) or halobetasol propionate 0.05% with or without salicylic acid (*ointments work much better for a chronic dry eczema as compared to creams).
Besides topical steroid there are other local treatment options like intralesional triamcinolone acetonide 10-40mg/ml, tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, coal tar (3-5%) and salicylic acid combination ointment, 5% ichthyol pale cream.
I think you should use a more potent topical steroid rather than what you are already using e.g clobetasol propionate 0.05% and salicylic acid 3% ointment.
Moreover you should use this potent steroid ointment, twice daily for 2-4 weeks and thereafter reduce either frequency of application or potency of topical steroid.
Continue with twice daily application of moisturiser.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you for your answer. I understand that there are new eczema medicines like Eucrisa approved in 2017. Can you tell me what they are and what you think of them. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Newer FDA approved drugs in eczema category
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
In Eczema category there are two new drugs that I am aware of and have recently received FDA approval.
One is a topical medication i.e Crisaborole (Eucrisa ointment) and another one is injectable i.e Dupilumab (Dupixent).
Eucrisa is a non steroidal alternative for atopic eczema. Mechanism of action is not well known and it can be used in children as well as adults.
Dupixent is an injectable medication for widespread atopic eczema that is not well controlled by topical medications alone. It interferes with interleukin signalling pathways.
Regards
Newer FDA approved drugs in eczema category
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
In Eczema category there are two new drugs that I am aware of and have recently received FDA approval.
One is a topical medication i.e Crisaborole (Eucrisa ointment) and another one is injectable i.e Dupilumab (Dupixent).
Eucrisa is a non steroidal alternative for atopic eczema. Mechanism of action is not well known and it can be used in children as well as adults.
Dupixent is an injectable medication for widespread atopic eczema that is not well controlled by topical medications alone. It interferes with interleukin signalling pathways.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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