There are a variety of dermatitis medications that can relieve symptoms and prevent complications. The use of dermatitis drugs should not be arbitrary. Although there are several over-the-counter dermatitis medications, their use still needs to be adjusted to the conditions and symptoms of dermatitis.
Dermatitis is a term for inflammation of the skin that causes the skin to become red, itchy, peeling, scaly, and even swollen. There are at least 4 types of dermatitis that commonly occur, namely atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Although the causes are different, these four types of dermatitis have similar symptoms, namely inflammation of the skin. nowDermatitis drugs generally aim to overcome the inflammation, along with various accompanying complaints.
Various Dermatitis Drugs
As stated earlier, the drugs given to treat dermatitis are actually intended to relieve complaints or symptoms. As for dealing with the disease itself, the best way is to avoid the trigger.
Here are some dermatitis medications that are often given by doctors:
1. Hydrocortisone cream
Hydrocortisone cream is commonly used to relieve the symptoms of inflammation that appear in almost every type of dermatitis. This cream is a corticosteroid drug class. If used carelessly and not in accordance with the doctor's advice, thinning of the skin can occur, skin redness, dryness, and feels like burning, irritation, appears stretch marks, and changes in skin color.
2. Antihistamines
Antihistamines are usually prescribed to relieve allergy symptoms in allergic contact dermatitis, such as red, itchy, and swollen skin. This drug works by stopping the release of histamine, which is a substance produced by the body when exposed to substances that trigger allergies (allergens).
3. Corticosteroid class of drugs
In addition to being in the form of creams, corticosteroid drugs taken (oral) in pill or capsule form can also be given to relieve inflammation in dermatitis.
However, these corticosteroid drugs must be purchased with a doctor's prescription and should not be used carelessly, especially in the long term. The use of corticosteroids in the long term can cause side effects such as hypertension, osteoporosis, and diabetes. While in children, growth disorders can occur.
4. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are usually given if the dermatitis is accompanied by signs of infection, such as festering sores, pain in the wound, and fever. Infection in dermatitis can occur if the itchy skin due to dermatitis is scratched into a wound, and this wound is exposed to bacteria.
5. Anti-dandruff shampoo
Although not a drug, anti-dandruff shampoo can be used to relieve complaints of seborrheic dermatitis. Usually, anti-dandruff shampoos contain salicylic acid, tar, zinc pyrite (zinc pyrithione), sulfate, ketoconazole, and selenium.
6. calcineurin inhibitors
Another drug that is often given to treat dermatitis is a class of drugs calconeurin inhibitor. This class of drugs is available in the form of a cream. An example is tacrolimus. The way this drug works is to help repair the skin and reduce itching due to dermatitis.
In addition to using the dermatitis medication mentioned above, there are also several treatments that can be done to reduce the symptoms of dermatitis, namely:
- Avoid allergenic products or ingredients.
- Avoid using soaps that contain dyes and fragrances. In some people, this ingredient can cause irritation.
- Use moisturizer regularly after bathing, at least 2 times a day.
- Does not scratch itchy skin.
Medication for dermatitis needs to be adjusted to the symptoms and type of dermatitis that occurs. Do not carelessly use dermatitis medicine without consulting your doctor first, because some drugs can aggravate other skin diseases whose symptoms may be similar to dermatitis.