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Suggest Treatment For Dry Eczema On Legs

Posted on Fri, 10 Jun 2016

Question: I have dry eczema in my legs for more than 10 years. It comes and goes in both the legs one by one for some period (from angle to knee). When it is in one leg, the other will be fine and vice versa. Earlier I consulted one dermatologist and he advised to apply Elovera cream. I used to apply it most of the time after taking bath. But it is of no use. The disease still comes on a periodic basis. Now, the itching is unbearable.

One more issue is I have itching under the testicles, near the joints of the leg in summer. Its also unbearable. I apply Clotrimazole powder after bath. Still its not controlled completely.

Kindly provide me advises for both the above issues.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Keep the areas moisturized

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Eczema is not curable but can be kept in control with some effort. The mainstay of management is to moisturize the affected areas. Elovera has been rightly prescribed. However, you may try the following:
* Apply a nonprescription steroid cream (hydrocortisone) along with anti-itching lotion (menthol/camphor, such as calamine). The cream must be applied as often as possible without skipping days until the rash is gone.
* Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine may be taken for the itching.
* Clean the area with a hypoallergenic soap every day (avoid regular soaps). Apply lubricating cream or lotion after washing.

The following links should help:
XXXX

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (11 hours later)

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your advice.

Its unfortunate to know that its not curable...

I have a few more questions. One of my friend suggested to use Cotaryl cream on the eczema affected places. Is it an appropriate one? Also does steroid ointments cause any side effects?
Is there any known cause of eczema so that I can try to avoid such things? Also, I hear that 'neosporin eczema essentials' in USA is best for eczema, unfortunately its not available in XXXXXXX Do you have any suggestion or alternate cream for this in India?

I didn't receive answer for the second question which I asked earlier - itching near the leg joint.

Thank you very much.

Regards,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cotaryl can be used.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Sorry for not being able to respond faster.
Cotaryl cream may be used. It is suitable and should have effects similar to Elovera. If that is not enough, it would be essential to use steroids like hydrocortisone to reduce the inflammation. Leaving it untreated would be worse and hence do not bother about side effects. Neosporin is an antibiotic and I do not think it to be essential. So, rather than using the combination, it would be better to use Cotaryl or Elovera.

I have already stated in my previous answer that Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine may be taken for the itching.

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar