The conditions you’ve listed (eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, contact dermatitis, urticaria, lichen planus, and itchy skin) often cause itching, inflammation, and skin damage. Treatment typically involves topical therapies, systemic medications, and moisturizers to reduce symptoms and control flare-ups. Here's a detailed overview of medicines used to manage these conditions:
1. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema is a chronic condition that causes red, inflamed, and itchy skin. The treatment typically focuses on reducing inflammation, controlling flare-ups, and moisturizing the skin.
a. Moisturizers (Emollients):
- Indication: To keep the skin hydrated and form a protective barrier to reduce water loss.
- Examples:
- Cetaphil
- Eucerin
- Aquaphor
- Cetraben
- Forms:
- Lotions, creams, and ointments (applied frequently to affected areas).
b. Topical Corticosteroids:
- Indication: Used during flare-ups to reduce inflammation and itching.
- Examples:
- Hydrocortisone (1% for mild eczema).
- Betamethasone (stronger corticosteroid).
- Clobetasol (used for more severe cases).
- Forms:
- Creams, ointments, lotions.
c. Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors:
- Indication: Used as a steroid-sparing alternative for sensitive areas like the face or when steroids are not effective.
- Examples:
- Tacrolimus (Protopic).
- Pimecrolimus (Elidel).
- Forms:
- Creams, ointments.
d. Antihistamines:
- Indication: Oral antihistamines are used to control itching, especially at night.
- Examples:
- Cetirizine.
- Loratadine.
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, sedating antihistamine).
- Forms:
- Tablets or syrups.
2. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes rapid skin cell turnover, leading to thick, scaly, and inflamed skin patches.
a. Topical Corticosteroids:
- Indication: Reduces inflammation, scaling, and itching during psoriasis flare-ups.
- Examples:
- Clobetasol (strong corticosteroid).
- Betamethasone (moderate to strong potency).
- Forms:
- Creams, ointments, gels.
b. Topical Vitamin D Analogues:
- Indication: Helps slow skin cell production and reduce scaling.
- Examples:
- Calcipotriol (Dovonex).
- Calcitriol.
- Forms:
- Creams, ointments.
c. Topical Retinoids:
- Indication: Vitamin A derivatives used to control skin cell turnover.
- Examples:
- Tazarotene (Tazorac).
- Forms:
- Creams, gels.
d. Coal Tar and Salicylic Acid:
- Indication: Reduces scaling and helps soften thick plaques.
- Examples:
- Psoriasin (Coal tar).
- Salicylic Acid (keratolytic).
- Forms:
- Shampoos, ointments, creams.
e. Systemic Treatments (for severe cases):
- Methotrexate: Immunosuppressant used in severe psoriasis.
- Ciclosporin: Immunosuppressant for severe psoriasis.
- Biologics: Adalimumab (Humira), Secukinumab (Cosentyx).
3. Dry Skin (Xerosis)
Dry skin is commonly treated by replenishing moisture and protecting the skin barrier.
a. Moisturizers (Emollients):
- Indication: Used to hydrate dry skin and prevent moisture loss.
- Examples:
- Vaseline (petroleum jelly).
- Cerave (contains ceramides).
- Urea-based moisturizers (for very dry skin).
- Forms:
- Lotions, creams, ointments.
b. Bath Oils and Additives:
- Indication: Used during bathing to add moisture to dry skin.
- Examples:
- Balneum.
- Aveeno (oatmeal-based).
- Forms:
- Bath oils, soaps, or shower gels.
4. Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to irritants or allergens, leading to inflamed, red, and itchy skin.
a. Topical Corticosteroids:
- Indication: Reduces inflammation caused by contact allergens or irritants.
- Examples:
- Hydrocortisone (for mild cases).
- Betamethasone (for moderate to severe cases).
- Forms:
- Creams, ointments.
b. Emollients:
- Indication: Moisturizes skin to support the skin barrier and reduce dryness.
- Examples:
- Eucerin, Vaseline, Cetaphil.
- Forms:
- Lotions, creams, ointments.
c. Antihistamines:
- Indication: For itching relief due to allergic contact dermatitis.
- Examples:
- Cetirizine.
- Loratadine.
- Forms:
- Tablets.
5. Urticaria (Hives)
Urticaria involves raised, red, itchy welts on the skin due to an allergic reaction.
a. Antihistamines:
- Indication: First-line treatment for reducing hives and itching.
- Examples:
- Loratadine (non-sedating).
- Cetirizine (non-sedating).
- Diphenhydramine (sedating).
- Forms:
- Tablets, syrups.
b. Oral Corticosteroids (for severe cases):
- Indication: For severe or chronic urticaria not responding to antihistamines.
- Examples:
- Prednisolone.
- Forms:
- Tablets.
6. Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by purplish, itchy, flat bumps.
a. Topical Corticosteroids:
- Indication: First-line treatment to reduce inflammation and itching.
- Examples:
- Clobetasol.
- Betamethasone.
- Forms:
- Creams, ointments.
b. Oral Corticosteroids (for widespread or severe cases):
- Indication: For extensive skin involvement.
- Examples:
- Prednisolone.
- Forms:
- Tablets.
c. Antihistamines:
- Indication: To control itching in lichen planus.
- Examples:
- Cetirizine.
- Loratadine.
- Forms:
- Tablets.
d. Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors:
- Indication: For areas where long-term steroid use is not advisable (e.g., face, genitals).
- Examples:
- Tacrolimus (Protopic).
- Forms:
- Ointments.
7. Itchy Skin (Pruritus)
Itchy skin can result from a variety of causes, such as dry skin, allergic reactions, or underlying conditions.
a. Moisturizers:
- Indication: To relieve dry skin and reduce itching.
- Examples:
- Cetaphil.
- Vaseline.
- Forms:
- Lotions, creams.
b. Topical Corticosteroids:
- Indication: For localized itching and inflammation.
- Examples:
- Hydrocortisone (1% for mild itching).
- Forms:
- Creams.
c. Antihistamines:
- Indication: For generalized itching due to allergic reactions or skin conditions.
- Examples:
- Cetirizine.
- Loratadine.
- Diphenhydramine (for nighttime itching).
- Forms:
- Tablets
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