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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Eczema

Thank you-- yes I have a question. Over a lifetime of suffering from mild-to-moderate eczema (some years it has been almost absent, other years recurring for months on end) that appears mostly on my arms, neck, face and especially on my hands I have tried to limit the use of steroids (cortisone) and instead use calamine lotion. I find calamine very effective for drying up eczema that s moist or weeping . At other times, when the eczema is in a dry stage, I make use of benign moisturizers applied sparingly such as ointments with a base of pawpaw, almond oil, honey etc. But it is calamine lotion that concerns me. I have used it over several decades, sometimes daily. I ve been told it could be harmful if used over a long period. How safe is it to use long-term? Jackie
Mon, 17 Aug 2015
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hi Jackie, you have very rightly described the nature and course of eczemas..Steroids, if applied for long, have a range of adverse effects. Calamine lotion on the other hand, is safe, even if applied for years (no long term adverse effects).
Eczemas have a relapsing course, like you are having, but there are ways in which relapses can be prevented, viz, applying bland moisturisers like parasoft/moisturex soft cream on the areas after all the lesions have resolved.
I would adv you to visit your dermatologist for chalking out a regimen for you depending on your type of eczema and extent and severity, to prevent relapses
Thanks
Take care
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Suggest Treatment For Eczema

Hi Jackie, you have very rightly described the nature and course of eczemas..Steroids, if applied for long, have a range of adverse effects. Calamine lotion on the other hand, is safe, even if applied for years (no long term adverse effects). Eczemas have a relapsing course, like you are having, but there are ways in which relapses can be prevented, viz, applying bland moisturisers like parasoft/moisturex soft cream on the areas after all the lesions have resolved. I would adv you to visit your dermatologist for chalking out a regimen for you depending on your type of eczema and extent and severity, to prevent relapses Thanks Take care