Gamot sa Skin Asthma: Treatment for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Skin asthma is a commonly used term for any allergy-related condition of the skin. It is not a medical term, but it is usually used when referring to eczema, or atopic dermatitis. Eczema is the most common form of skin allergy — it is a condition where the skin becomes dry and itchy, leading to inflammation and allergies¹. Because eczema, like asthma or allergies, is a chronic condition, there is no cure. However, there are many medicines or treatments for eczema. Anu-ano ang mga gamot sa skin asthma?

Understanding Eczema

To better understand how treatments for eczema work, we first need to understand what it is.

Eczema is one of many kinds of dermatitis. When eczema happens, your skin barrier function becomes damaged². You can think of it as damage to your “skin glue” which makes your skin “leaky.” This loss of skin barrier function makes your skin more sensitive and prone to infection and itchiness.

The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but you are more likely to have the condition if you have asthma or allergic rhinitis, or if someone in your family has dermatitis².

Anyone can get eczema, but it usually starts in childhood, commonly appearing in babies who are 3 to 6 months old³. Symptoms include:

If you, or your child, have these symptoms, consult your doctor. They will be able to prescribe a treatment that can provide relief for the itching and discomfort. May mabisang gamot sa skin asthma na tama para sa yo.

Gamot sa Skin Asthma^{1 4}

Medicines for eczema address different symptoms of the condition. For example, moisturizers treat dry skin, while corticosteroids or phototherapy can reduce inflammation. Anu-ano ang mga gamot sa skin asthma?

1. Moisturizers

Pag dating sa gamot sa skin asthma, moisturizers ang first line of defense laban sa eczema. Your doctor may recommend the use of over-the-counter moisturizers and barriers to moisturize  dry skin and prevent loss of water from the skin. These moisturizers may come in the form of ointments, creams or lotions.

2. Corticosteroids

Over-the-counter corticosteroids, which come in the form of an ointment, may also be prescribed to:

• Relieve the itchiness
• Reduce inflammation
• Reduce dryness
• Prevent flares from recurring

A common corticosteroid for eczema treatment is topical hydrocortisone. Topical steroids come in different concentrations. It is best to consult a doctor before using one as any steroid-containing treatment carries side effects, especially with long-term use.

3. Antihistamines 

These medicines may relieve allergy symptoms related to eczema. But they do not typically help the itching caused by dry skin. Sedating antihistamines such as diphenhydramine may also help with sleep.

4. Other Prescription Medicines 

At times, your doctor may prescribe more powerful drugs should your eczema be severe. These include:

More potent corticosteroids – These are either injectable or taken orally.

Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) – This treatment may be used as an alternative to corticosteroids when your doctor has concerns about the overuse of steroids.

Systemic medicines and biologics – Biologics are powerful medications that affect your entire system, such as Dupixent, which reduces inflammation caused by eczema but also has an effect on your immune system.

5. Oral or Topical Antibiotics

Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to treat skin infections, should they occur.

6. Phototherapy

This form of treatment involves exposure to UVA or UVB ultraviolet light under medical supervision. It is effective in treating inflammation.

Key Takeaway

Iba-iba ang gamot sa skin asthma o eczema. There are medicines that moisturize the dry, itchy skin. Other medicines treat the inflammation, such as steroids. And antibiotics treat infections caused by eczema. 

Your doctor may also prescribe more powerful steroids, or systemic medicines. Or they may suggest that you undergo phototherapy to treat inflammation. Always consult your doctor before taking any medicine or undergoing any treatment.

Learn more about Dermatitis here.