The Eczema Medication and Treatment Picture

The following medications are most commonly used to treat eczema:
Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine which is used to help decrease the amount of itching. These medications may cause drowsiness. Some new antihistamines are also available that do not cause drowsiness;
Topical steroid creams used to help to decrease the inflammation in the skin, thus decreasing the itching and swelling. Many topical steroids in various strengths are available. Steroids, if overused, are potentially damaging to the skin.
Other options include oral antibiotics;
oral cyclosporine designed to suppress the immune system;
phototherapy;
topical immunomodulators which are a new class of drugs for the treatment of eczema. These drugs are used topically to alter the immune response.