Medications Eczema & Psoriasis

Understanding Eczema and Psoriasis

Eczema and Psoriasis are both chronic skin conditions that can severely impact the quality of life. Both conditions are inflammatory and can cause skin inflammation, scaly patches or dry and cracked skin.

These two skin conditions have some broad symptoms in common, however their overall presentations, including specific symptoms and location of skin changes are really distinct.

Eczema and Psoriasis require a range of medications to help manage them, these Medications Eczema and Psoriasis include steroid creams to reduce the inflammation associated with these conditions, moisturizers to hydrate the skin and antihistamines to reduce itching.

You can now browse our catalogue for Eczema and Psoriasis medication over the counter or prescription at Meds For Less, and order these medicines for next day delivery to your home address.

Eczema and psoriasis are common skin conditions that can severely impact the quality of life. Although they appear similar, they are really distinct in their causes, symptoms and treatments.

Understanding Eczema

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is a chronic, hypersensitive, inflammatory skin condition characterised by redness, itchiness and flakiness. It is associated with other hypersensitive and inflammatory conditions such as allergies, asthma or hay fever. Symptoms or Eczema include:

• Red and inflamed skin
• Severe itching
• Dry and scaly patches
• Oozing and crusting in severe cases
• Eczema commonly affects the face, neck, hands and skinfolds

Eczema can have some genetic causes although it’s mostly triggered by allergens or irritants which cause inflammation due to hypersensitivity to these triggering factors. These allergens can include things like soaps, detergents, cold or dry weather or even stress.

Treatment options for Eczema include:

• Moisturisers to hydrate and protect the skin
• Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Antihistamines to reduce itching
• Lifestyle changes such as avoid triggers, wearing loose clothing and gentle-skin care products

Understanding Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that speeds up the lifecycle of skin cycles causing a rapid buildup of dead skin cells which can lead to scaling and inflammation. Symptoms of Psoriasis include:

• Thick and silvery scales
• Raised red patches
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Burning or itching sensation
• Commonly affects the scalp, elbows, knees or lower back.

Treatment options for Psoriasis include:

• Topical treatments such as steroids, vitamin D supplements or salicylic acid
• Phototherapy including controlled exposure to UV light
• Systemic immunosuppressive medications
• Lifestyle changes such as managing stress, avoiding triggers and regular moisturisation

Common Symptoms and Triggers

Eczema and Psoriasis have some common symptoms and triggers, however their presentations and their treatment options are quite distinct.

Common symptoms of Eczema include:

• Patches of Red or inflamed skin
• Severe itchiness that may worsen at night
• Dry , flaky or scaly skin
• In severe cases , the skin can leak fluid and form crusts
• Thickened or leathery skin which can occur due to repetitive scratching
• These skin changes are found in locations such as the face, inner elbows, back of knees or hands

Triggers of Eczema include:

• Allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen or mold
• Food allergens such as eggs, milk, soys, wheat, nuts or seafood
• Irritants such as harsh soaps, detergents, fragrances or certain fabrics
• Cold or dry weather or excessive heat and sweating
• Skin infections such as bacterial, viral or fungal infections can worsen eczema

Common symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Well defined and symmetrical thick or raised red patches on the skin
• Silvery white scales due to the build up of dead skin cells on red patches
• Itching or burning sensation
• Dry or cracked skin
• Nail changes such as pitting or thickened nails
• Common locations for psoriatic skin changes include the scalp, back of elbows, back of knees and sometimes palms and soles

Triggers of Psoriasis include:

• Stress which can worsen flare ups
• Infections such as strep throat or skin infections can also trigger psoriatic flare ups
• Cold and dry weather conditions can aggravate symptoms
• Alcohol and smoking can worsen the severity of psoriasis.

Types of Medications Available

Treating Psoriasis and Eczema requires a range and combination of medicines that can be given depending on the severity and symptoms of each condition. The following is an overview of the most common types of medicines:

Eczema medication:

• Topical treatments
  • Corticosteroid creams such as Betamethasone, Betnovate RD or Clobetasol creams
  • Combined corticosteroid and antibiotic creams such as Fucibet
  • Calcineurin inhibitors – non steroidal options which suppress the immune system such as Protopic or Elidel for sensitive areas like the face or neck
  • Topical Anti-inflammatories without steroids such as Crisaborole (Eucrisa)
• Oral medicines
  • Antihistamines such as Diphenhydramine or Loratadine which helps alleviate severe itching and improves sleep
  • Systemic corticosteroids like prednisolone or dexamethasone

Meds for Psoriasis:

• Topical treatments
  • Corticosteroid creams such as Betamethasone, Betnovate RD, Daktacort cream or Clobetasol cream
  • Vitamin D topical mimetics such as Calcitriol or Calcipotriol
  • E45 cream which can relieve dry or flaky skin (common in psoriasis)
• Systemic medications (Oral or injected)
  • Immunosuppressants such as Methotrexate or Cyclosporine for severe cases
  • Oral retinoids such as Acitretin to normalise skin cell production
• Over the counter meds for psoriasis:
  • Medicated shampoos for scalp psoriasis containing tar extracts such as Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic shampoo

How to Choose the Right Treatment

Choosing the right treatment for Psoriasis or Eczema requires careful consideration and depends on factors such as the severity of the condition, symptoms, triggers and overall individual health. Some steps you can take towards choosing your treatment includes:

• Understanding your condition: Speak to a healthcare professional such as a dermatologist to understand your condition and it’s severity. Mild cases of Eczema and Psoriasis may be managed with psoriasis meds over the counter (OTC) or over the counter meds for eczema. More moderate to severe cases may require prescription medicines or advanced therapies.
• Identify factors which trigger flare-ups. Eczema triggers can include irritants like soaps or perfumes, weather changes or diet. Whereas Psoriasis triggers can include stress, recent infections, skin injuries, certain medication or lifestyle factors such as drinking alcohol or smoking. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can really help in managing these conditions alongside taking psoriasis or eczema meds.
• Consult your healthcare provider or dermatologist to create a customised treatment plan with medicines appropriate for your skin type, age medical history and specific symptoms
• Evaluate the treatment options available to you:
  • For Mild Eczema – OTC steroid creams and mild emoluments or moisturizer might help to adequately treat the condition
  • For moderate Eczema – prescription steroid creams or calcineurin inhibitors may be needed
  • For Severe Eczema – Systemic Immunosuppressants or biologics may be needed
  • For Mild Psoriasis – topical treatments such as steroid creams, Vitamin D mimetics, coal tar or salicylic acid may be used to treat plaques
  • For moderate psoriasis – more intense treatment options like phototherapy may be needed
  • For severe Psoriasis – Immunosuppressants may have to be used
• Consider how the medicine you are thinking of taking will impact you, this can be financially via side effects or how it will fit in with your daily lifestyle.

Overall choosing the right treatment for Eczema or Psoriasis requires time and careful consideration. You should work in consultation with your healthcare provider to come up with a treatment plan that is suitable for you.

Managing Eczema and Psoriasis Flare-Ups

Eczema and Psoriasis flare ups can be challenging but with the right tips and tricks, you can manage flare up symptoms and reduce their frequency and intensity. Some of these strategies include:

• Recognise early warning signs of an impending flare up
  • For Eczema, this includes Increased itchiness, dryness or redness in affected areas
  • For psoriasis this includes thickened plaques, increased scaling or redness
• Follow your treatment plan for these conditions
  • Sticking to the regimen prescribed your dermatologist or other healthcare provider can effectively help you manage flare ups
  • For Eczema this can include:
    • Using moisturizers frequently to hydrate the skin and repair skin barrier breaks that occur during inflammation
    • Apply topical steroid creams or calcineurin inhibitors to reduce inflammation
    • Consider wet wrap therapy – applying moisturizer or medicine, covering with wet bandages and then sealing with dry layers to boost hydration and soothe irritation.
  • For Psoriasis this can include
    • Use topical treatment like steroid creams or Vitamin D mimetics to reduce scaling and inflammation
    • Apply coal tar or salicylic acid containing products to remove scales
• Identify and avoid triggers for your eczema or psoriasis, this is crucial for managing and preventing flare-ups
• Manage itching as uncontrolled itching can worsen flare-ups and lead to skin damage or infections. Some tips to do this include:
  • Keep nails short to reduce the risk of injury
  • Use cold compress or take cool baths to reduce the tendency to itch
  • If itching occurs at night, take oral antihistamines
• As stress is a significant factor for flare ups in both Eczema and Psoriasis, stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, yoga or regular physical activity can be very helpful in the overall management of flare-ups
• Maintaining proper skin care can also be very important for managing and preventing flare ups,
  • For Eczema this can include: Using fragrance free or hypoallergenic products
  • For psoriasis, using moisturizer with heavy emoluments or ointments to help keep plaques soft

Overall you can help prevent and manage Eczema or psoriasis flare ups through a combination of regular healthy skin care, avoiding triggers and following a treatment plan made in consultation with your healthcare provider.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

The medicines used in the treatment of Eczema and Psoriasis are essential in managing symptoms, however like all medicines they can cause some side effects and have some associated precautions with use.

Some of the side effects and precautions of these medicines include:

Topical Corticosteroids – used in the treatment of both Eczema and Psoriasis:

Side effects

• Skin thinning with prolonged use
• Stretch marks
• Pigmentation changes
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Possible allergic reaction

Precautions

• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration to avoid side effects
• Avoid application on thin skin areas like the face or groin unless specifically directed by your doctor

Oral/Systemic Corticosteroids – used in cases of severe Eczema

Side effects

• Weight gain and increased blood sugar levels
• High blood pressure, mood swings and insomnia
• Bone thinning (osteoporosis) with prolonged use

Precautions

• Use is only recommended in severe cases and under close medical supervision
• Gradually taper off with withdrawing drug to reduce withdrawal symptoms

Antihistamines – used for the treatment of itching in Eczema or Psoriasis:

Side effects

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Constipation

Precautions

• Avoid alcohol or driving if drowsy
• It might be recommended to use non-drowsy formulations of antihistamines during the daytime

Topical Vitamin D analogues/Mimetics – for Psoriasis Treatment 

Side effects

• Skin irritation or redness around site of application
• Risk of High calcium levels if overused

Precautions

• Avoid applying to large patches of skin to minimise excessive absorption
• Do not use on the face or sensitive areas unless specifically directed

Coal Tar containing products like shampoos – for Psoriasis Treatment

Side effects

• Skin irritation – staining of clothes or skin
• Sensitivity to sunlight

Precautions

• Avoid sun exposure immediately after application
• Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals

Tips for Skin Care and Maintenance

Proper skin care is essential and necessary for managing eczema and psoriasis, as well as maintaining overall skin health. Here are some helpful tips for promoting skin healing, reducing flare-ups and protecting your skin.

• Maintain a well hydrated skin
  • Use moisturisers regularly to maintain the skin’s natural barrier and prevent dryness
  • For Eczema – use heavy creams or ointments like petroleum jelly or ceramide-based products
  • For psoriasis – use salicylic acid or urea based creams to soften plaques and restore skin health
• Do regular and gentle facial cleansing
  • Use mild, fragrance free cleansers such as Cetaphil skin and face cleaners
  • Use lukewarm showers instead of hot showers to prevent drying the skin and limit shower time to 10-15 minutes
• Avoid irritants
  • Wear soft breathable fabrics like cotton and avoid scratchy materials like wool
  • Avoid heavily fragranced lotions, perfumes and harsh detergents
  • Use humidifiers in dry climates to help hydrate and moisturise the skin
• Protect the skin
  • For Eczema, use skin protection agents which are labelled “for sensitive skin” to prevent irritation
  • For Psoriasis, limited sun exposure can help but overexposure can worsen symptoms
  • Avoid scratching or picking at the skin to prevent infections, scarring or Eczema and psoriasis worsening

For a more comprehensive skincare routine, please consult your dermatologist and they can help come up with a personalised skin care plan for you.

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